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On Wednesday, December 18, in a shocking turn of events, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin called down curtains to his international cricketing career. However, the decision from Ashwin came as a surprise, the legend of the game called it time with immediate effect as the third Test in Gabba, Brisbane ended in a draw.
However, the rumours around his retirement became instense after he was seen sharing a hug with batting stalwart Virat Kohli in the dressing room as bad light followed by rain interrupted the game while India chased theh target of 275 runs.
R Ashwin retires from international cricket
R Ashwin, who accompanied skipper Rohit Sharma at the post-match press conference kept his decision clear as he called it the final day as Indian cricketer. With this, Ashwin ends his Test career as India’s second highest wicket-taker in the format with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests. He finishes only behind Anil Kumble, who finished with 619 wickets.
Moreover, the Indian legend retired, putting an end of his 13-year-long career. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, Ashwin featured in only one Test, the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, which the hosts won by 10 wickets. The 38-year-old finishes his international cricket inaurguably as one of the greatest off-spinners in the country, having played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is for India, taking 775 wickets across all formats.
Additionally, Ashwin goes out as seventh-highest wicket-taker in Tests, and highest among off-spinners in Tests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also took to social media to credit Ashwin’s contribution in Indian cricket. “Thank You Ashwin. 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” they captioned the post.
