Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane, which ended in a draw.
During the post-match press conference, Ashwin shared, “Today marks my final day as an Indian cricketer across all formats. While I feel I still have some cricket left in me, I’d like to explore and demonstrate that at the club level. This is the end of my journey at this level, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Reflecting on his career, he added, “I’ve made countless memories with Rohit Sharma and many of my teammates, although I’ve also lost a few along the way in recent years. We are among the last of the original gang, if I may call it that, still in the dressing room. I’m marking today as the day I step away from this stage.”
Hailing from Chennai, R. Ashwin has been a remarkable contributor to Indian cricket. Over 106 Test matches, he has claimed 537 wickets at an average of 24, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in India’s history, behind the legendary Anil Kumble.
The announcement wasn’t entirely unexpected, especially after a touching moment during a rain delay when Virat Kohli embraced Ashwin on the dressing room balcony. In addition to his Test achievements, Ashwin has played 116 One-Day Internationals, taking 156 wickets at an average of 16.4, and 65 T20Is, where he picked up 72 wickets at an average of 23.22.
