India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday, December 18, surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement with immediate effect in the middle of the Test series against host Australia.
Ashwin hung his boots as the second highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets). However, he will continue to play club cricket.
“I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer,” Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test here in a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma during which he declined to take any questions and left after making the announcement.
Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 18, 2024
Congratulations on a brilliant career 👏 pic.twitter.com/UHWAFmMwC0
The 38-year-old played the day-night Test in Adelaide and picked up one wicket.
“He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants,” said Rohit after Ashwin left the stage.
He was seen sharing an emotional moment with star batter Virat Kohli in the dressing room hours before the announcement.
🫂💙🇮🇳
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 18, 2024
Emotional moments from the Indian dressing room 🥹#AUSvINDOnStar #BorderGavaskarTrophy #Ashwin #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/92a4NqNsyP
“A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation,” said the BCCI in its tribute post on X.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏
The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA
Ashwin was part of both the squads which won the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
