Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the finest cricketers in India’s history, has decided to retire from all forms of international cricket. The announcement came after the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 18, marking the end of a 14-year journey that redefined spin bowling in the modern era.
Ashwin, 38, leaves the international stage as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, with 537 dismissals in 106 matches. His tally places him seventh on the all-time Test wicket-takers list. Known for his tactical brilliance and adaptability, he retires with an unmatched legacy in the longest format of the game.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin said during an emotional press conference alongside Rohit Sharma. “Although I still feel I have some cricket left in me, I plan to showcase that in domestic leagues and clubs. Representing India has been an honor, and I’ve created memories that will last a lifetime.”
A Record-Breaking Career in Test Cricket
Ashwin’s Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies was a precursor to the greatness that followed. He was the fastest bowler to reach 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets and recorded 37 five-wicket hauls—second only to Muttiah Muralitharan’s 67.
With 268 left-handers dismissed, Ashwin holds the record for the most dismissals of left-handed batters in Test cricket. A handy contributor with the bat, he also scored 3,503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greatest all-rounders.
Limited-Overs Contributions
Ashwin played a pivotal role in India’s 2011 ICC ODI World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy triumphs. In 116 ODIs, he took 156 wickets at an economy rate of 4.93, while in T20Is, he picked up 72 wickets in 65 matches.
Recognition and Achievements
Ashwin’s contributions have been celebrated worldwide. He was the recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2015 and was named ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2016. Additionally, he featured in the ICC Test Team of the Decade (2011-2020).
Future in Domestic and Franchise Cricket
Although Ashwin is stepping away from international cricket, he will continue to play domestically. He is set to rejoin Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2025 after being acquired for INR 9.75 crore. Fans can also expect to see him in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and other club-level tournaments.
Gratitude and Reflection
During his farewell, Ashwin expressed heartfelt thanks to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his coaches, teammates, and even his competitors, particularly Australian cricketers. “I owe everything to cricket, my teammates, and the fans. Representing India has been the greatest privilege of my life,” he said.
