Indian Cricketer R Ashwin Announces Retirement

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on Wednesday. He is ending his career as the second-highest wicket-taking bowler in the country after Anil Kumble.

The spinner announced the news shortly after the third test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. "I don't want to make it about myself. This is my last day as an international cricketer. I have created a lot of memories. We are the last bunch of OGs in the dressing room. I have a lot of people to thank... BCCI, my fellow teammates, all the coaches. This will be my last day as an India international cricketer. I will play club cricket. I had a lot of fun," Hindustan Times quoted Ashwin as saying in a post-match press conference.

In his 106 test matches, he has bagged 537 tickets, next only to legendary leggie Anil Kumble who took 619 wickets from 132 test matches.

The 38-year-old played his final match during the day-night Test in Adelaide, taking one wicket and scoring 22 and 7 in his last innings.

Rohit Sharma's Reaction

"He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants," said skipper Rohit Sharma, after Ashwin shared a poignant moment with Virat Kohli in the dressing room before the announcement. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also paid tribute, describing him as "a name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation."

Rumours about his retirement grew when cameras captured an emotional Ashwin hugging Kohli during a rain interval on Day 5 of the Test. He was also seen sharing time with Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, hinting at an imminent announcement. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar indirectly confirmed the news during a live broadcast, which became official hours later.

Ashwin's Achievements

His Test career stands out, with 37 five-wicket hauls, a bowling average of 24, and a strike rate of 50.7. He retires as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history. However, leading off-spinner Nathan Lyon is poised to surpass his record.

Ashwin debuted in ODIs in 2010 against Sri Lanka and made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies. His rise began with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, where he played alongside MS Dhoni, showcasing his potential on the big stage.

Known for his tactical brilliance, Ashwin transformed the role of an off-spinner with his sharp mind and vast repertoire of deliveries. His legacy as one of cricket's finest thinkers and match-winners will remain etched in history.

As the cricketing world bids farewell to Ashwin, fans and players alike celebrate his unparalleled contributions to the game.

Virat Kohli's Reaction

Meanwhile, star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has said that Ashwin will be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.

He wrote, "I've played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you're retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I've enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket. Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy."