Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an illustrious career to a close.
The announcement came after the conclusion of the third Test match against Australia at the Gabba, where Ashwin played a pivotal role for the Indian team over the years.
Ashwin, who is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 wickets in 106 matches, made his retirement announcement during a press conference alongside captain Rohit Sharma.
He expressed that while he feels he still has some cricket left in him, he would like to showcase his skills at the club level rather than on the international stage.
“This will be my last year as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin stated emotionally, highlighting the significance of this decision for him.
A Legendary Career
Ravichandran Ashwin made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of the premier spinners in world cricket.
Over his 13-year career, he has been a match-winner for India, particularly in home conditions where he excelled with an impressive bowling average of around 24.
His ability to take wickets consistently and contribute valuable runs with the bat—scoring 3,503 runs including 11 centuries—has made him a vital player for the national team.
Ashwin’s contributions have been crucial in several key series, including his standout performances against Australia.
He played a significant role in India’s historic Test series win down under in 2020-21 and has been a consistent performer throughout various formats of the game.
Reaction from Teammates and Fans
The news of Ashwin’s retirement has elicited emotional responses from fans and fellow cricketers alike.
Team captain Rohit Sharma praised Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket and acknowledged that the decision was deeply personal.
“He is one of the true match-winners that India has ever seen,” Rohit remarked. Many fans took to social media to express their gratitude for Ashwin’s remarkable career, calling him one of the greatest spinners of all time.
Future Plans: IPL and Beyond
While Ashwin is stepping away from international cricket, he confirmed that he intends to continue playing in domestic leagues, specifically mentioning his commitment to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He has been retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the upcoming season at a price of ₹9.75 crore. Fans can look forward to seeing him donning the CSK jersey again, where he began his IPL journey and enjoyed significant success.
Ashwin’s decision to retire from international cricket while continuing in IPL reflects a growing trend among seasoned players who wish to prolong their careers at a competitive level without the rigors of international commitments.
