Farewell spin wizard! Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement after drawn Test against Australia

Sports News: Ravichandran Ashwin, the celebrated Indian spinner, announced his retirement from international cricket following the drawn third Test match against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday. The 38-year-old made his decision public during a post-match press conference alongside captain Rohit Sharma, marking the end of an illustrious career that has solidified his status as one of India's greatest bowlers.

A Legendary Career Comes to an End

Ashwin's announcement came after he played only one match in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where he took just one wicket. With a remarkable tally of 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, he stands as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, trailing only Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets. Ashwin's contributions to Indian cricket over his 14-year career are significant; he has also taken 37 five-wicket hauls and is known for his exceptional skill against left-handed batsmen.

In his brief statement at the press conference, Ashwin said, "I won't take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer." He declined to answer questions before leaving the stage, emphasizing the finality of his decision.

Emotional Moments with Teammates

Before making his announcement, Ashwin shared an emotional moment with star batter Virat Kohli in the dressing room, which was captured on camera and quickly went viral. Rohit Sharma expressed support for Ashwin's decision, stating, "He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants." This sentiment reflects the respect and camaraderie that Ashwin has fostered throughout his career.

Future Endeavors

Despite retiring from international cricket, Ashwin will continue to participate in T20 tournaments and is set to represent Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. His transition into franchise cricket allows him to remain active in the sport while stepping away from the international stage.

On The Occasion Of Ashwin's Retirement

Lets give him a tribute by reliving his Wickets In Test Cricket, Spin Legend Signs off pic.twitter.com/mm56uEoYn3

— Kau5tubh30 (@Kaustubh001ac) December 18, 2024

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid tribute to Ashwin on social media, describing him as "a name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation." This acknowledgment highlights the impact he has had not only on Indian cricket but also on the global stage.

As Ravichandran Ashwin bids farewell to international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy filled with remarkable achievements and records. His journey from making his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011 to becoming a key figure in India's bowling lineup is a testament to his talent and hard work. As fans and fellow cricketers reflect on his contributions, Ashwin's influence on the game will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.