Key Points
- Ashwin stands seventh on the all-time high list of wicket-takers, second only to Anil Kumble (619) for his country
- He also played 116 one-day and 65 Twenty20 internationals
Islamabad: India’s off-spinning great Ravichandran Ashwin has announced retirement from international cricket.
According to AFP, the surprise decision will come into effect following India’s third Test against Australia in Brisbane.
The 38-year-old took 537 wickets in his 106 Tests at an average of 24.00, leaving him seventh on the all-time list and second only to Anil Kumble (619) for his country.
He also played 116 one-day and 65 Twenty20 internationals.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at an international level,” Ashwin said.
“I feel there’s a little bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I’d like to express that, showcase that, in club-level cricket.”
He was not selected for Brisbane with his final Test coming in Adelaide last week where he took 1-53.
“I’ve had a lot of fun. I have made a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my teammates,” Ashwin added.
“Obviously there are a lot of people to thank, but I will be failing in my duties if I didn’t thank the BCCI and fellow team-mates.”
Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and was also handy with the bat, scoring 3,503 runs with six centuries and 14 fifties.
Ashwin’s teammates, coaches and fans reacted with heartfelt tributes.
India’s chief coach Gautam Gambhir hailed him saying, “The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother!
The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024
Virat Kohli said “I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.”
I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024
Harbhajan Singh also took to X to comment on Ashwin’s decision.
“Congratulations on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now.”
Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 18, 2024
