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Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated off-spinners, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. His decision comes midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, marking the end of an illustrious 13-year career in which he became the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket.
A Legendary Career Ends
At the age of 38, Ashwin, with 537 wickets, bows out as India's second-most successful Test bowler, only behind the legendary Anil Kumble, who took 619 wickets. Ashwin made his announcement shortly after India’s draw in the third Test at Brisbane’s Gabba, thus closing the chapter on his remarkable cricketing journey. His final day on the field for India also marks a special moment as he reflects on his legendary career.
Ashwin’s Emotional Farewell
During his emotional farewell speech in the post-match press conference, Ashwin stated, "This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to explore it and showcase that at club-level cricket. But this will be my last day. It's been a lot of fun. I must say I've created a lot of memories with Rohit and several of my other teammates."
Ashwin shared his gratitude for his teammates and coaches, particularly mentioning stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara for their roles in his career, including taking crucial catches. He also expressed his appreciation for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his fellow players.
Speculations and Confirmation
Rumors about Ashwin’s retirement gained momentum during the rain break on Day 5 of the Test series when cameras captured a visibly emotional Ashwin being hugged by Virat Kohli. Ashwin was also seen conversing with his Australian counterpart Nathan Lyon, leading many to speculate about his retirement. This was later confirmed by former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar during a live broadcast, shortly before Ashwin made the official announcement.
A Stellar Career in Stats
Over the course of his career, Ashwin represented India in 106 Test matches, 116 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 65 T20 Internationals, amassing 765 wickets across all formats. In Test cricket, Ashwin has taken 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24, with 37 five-wicket hauls. He ranks as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket and is the highest wicket-taking off-spinner in Test history. However, Ashwin is expected to be surpassed by Nathan Lyon, who continues to add to his tally.
The IPL and Early Years
Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, following his earlier ODI debut in 2010. He rose to prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he played under the mentorship of MS Dhoni. Dhoni played a crucial role in shaping Ashwin’s career, often giving him the new ball during the powerplay. This experience in the IPL laid the foundation for Ashwin's successful international career, with his skills being honed in the T20 format before he made an impact in Test cricket.
Ashwin’s Legacy in Test Cricket
While Ashwin’s contributions in limited-overs formats were valuable, it was in Test cricket that he truly left his mark. Known for his ability to outthink opposition batsmen, particularly in Indian conditions, Ashwin has been a formidable force on the field. He also holds an exceptional record against left-handed batsmen, taking 383 wickets in India at an average of 21.57.
Despite being a modern-day great, Ashwin was often left out of India’s playing XI for overseas tours, having played just 26 Tests in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). His batting abilities also stood out; Ashwin scored six centuries and ten half-centuries in Test cricket, amassing 3,503 runs at an average of 25.75.
One of his most memorable moments came during the 2020 Sydney Test against Australia, where he partnered with Hanuma Vihari to save the match for India, despite battling with a back injury.
The Next Chapter
Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket does not mean the end of his cricketing career. He will return to play in the 2025 IPL for Chennai Super Kings, having been bought by the franchise during the recent mega-auction. While Ashwin moves on from international cricket, his legacy in Test cricket, especially in Indian conditions, will remain unmatched.
Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket will forever be remembered, not only for his impressive statistics but also for his cricketing intelligence and leadership in the dressing room.
