Published: December 18, 2024
New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest-ever spinners, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old made the announcement during a heartfelt press conference at the Gabba in Brisbane, marking the end of a glorious chapter in Indian cricket.
Ashwin, who represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. His unmatched skills with the ball and his contributions with the bat made him a complete cricketer and a true asset to Indian cricket.
A Phenomenal Career in Numbers
Ashwin’s international career is decorated with astonishing statistics:
- Test Matches: 106 matches, 537 wickets at an average of 24.30, including 37 five-wicket hauls and 8 ten-wicket match hauls.
- ODIs: 156 wickets in 116 matches.
- T20Is: 72 wickets in 65 matches.
- Test Batting: 3503 runs at an average of 25.75, with six centuries and 14 half-centuries.
His consistency and ability to adapt across formats placed him among the world’s elite bowlers. Ashwin’s incredible strike rate of 50.7 and economy rate of 2.83 in Test cricket reflect his dominance over the years.
The Emotional Farewell
At the post-match press conference, Ashwin expressed his gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans, stating,
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I feel there’s still a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to explore that at the club level. I’ve created countless memories alongside my teammates, and this game has given me everything.”
He specially thanked key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, who supported him with crucial catches around the bat. Ashwin also acknowledged his fierce competition against Australia, terming it one of the highlights of his career.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Ashwin’s career spanned across two decades, during which he became a cornerstone of India’s Test team and made memorable contributions in white-ball cricket. Though he was sidelined from the shorter formats for a significant period, his remarkable comebacks in the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups and the 2023 ODI World Cup in India were a testament to his resilience and determination.
The Road Ahead
While Ashwin has retired from international cricket, he will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for his beloved Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His association with CSK has been one of the defining aspects of his cricketing journey, and fans will continue to witness his brilliance in the tournament.
A True Legend
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His contributions, both as a bowler and an all-rounder, will be remembered for generations. As he steps away from the international stage, the cricketing fraternity bids farewell to a legend whose impact on the game will remain etched in history.
The Board of Sports in India (BOSI) salutes Ashwin’s incredible career and wishes him all the best for his future endeavors.
