Brisbane: Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has bid farewell to international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.
The 38-year-old off-spinner, whose name is etched in Indian cricket history, made his announcement with a heartfelt statement today, marking the end of an era for one of the country's finest bowlers.
In his farewell message, Ashwin expressed deep gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his teammates, and coaches for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious journey. Reflecting on his cricketing path, Ashwin acknowledged that while he still feels there is some fire left in him, he plans to explore his passion for the game at the club level. "I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket," he said.
Ashwin’s career has been one of immense pride, with the spinner recalling fond memories of playing alongside iconic figures like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara.
He paid special tribute to them, noting how their contributions, particularly in the field, were integral to his success. “I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates. Even though I’ve lost some of them over the years, we are the last bunch of OGs left out of the dressing room,” Ashwin shared.
The emotional statement also touched on the fierce rivalry with Australia, which Ashwin described as one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of his career. "Australia has always been a very fierce competitor, and our contests have been among the most memorable," Ashwin remarked, highlighting the respect he holds for their cricketing spirit.
As Ashwin reflected on his retirement, the bond he shares with cricket was evident. "It’s truly a very emotional moment. I don’t think I’m in a position where I would be answering the questions in the right way, so please pardon me for that," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. "As a cricketer, I’ve just stopped it, but I might go on to be involved with the game because this is a game that’s given me everything."
Ashwin's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. With 537 wickets in Test cricket, he is only behind the legendary Anil Kumble, whose 619 wickets set the bar for Indian bowlers. Throughout his career, Ashwin’s performances in the World Test Championship (WTC) were outstanding, with 195 wickets in 41 matches — the most by any player in the tournament’s history. His contributions to India’s success in the longest format of the game are unparalleled, making him one of the finest spinners the sport has ever seen.
In addition to his remarkable bowling achievements, Ashwin’s batting prowess further solidified his allrounder credentials. He scored 3503 runs in Test cricket, including six centuries and 14 fifties. He is one of only 11 allrounders in the history of the game to have notched up more than 3000 runs and 300 wickets — a testament to his versatile contributions to Indian cricket.
Furthermore, Ashwin holds the record for the most Player-of-the-Series awards in Test cricket, with 11, a feat he shares with the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan.
Not just a Test specialist, Ashwin’s versatility across formats saw him represent India in 116 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 65 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), picking up 156 and 72 wickets, respectively. His all-around ability made him a critical asset in every format, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on in the cricketing world.
While his retirement may signal the end of his international career, Ashwin’s future in cricket remains bright. Whether in coaching, mentoring, or any other role within the cricketing fraternity, his passion for the sport is sure to continue shaping the game for years to come.
In saying goodbye to the international stage, Ravichandran Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations one defined by remarkable skill, tenacity, and an unwavering love for the game.
