Ravichandran Ashwin, 38-year-old India’s best spinner, declared his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. During his 13-year career, he accomplished match-winning performances and excellent spin bowling that left a great impact on Indian cricket history.
Ashwin’s retirement has been verified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through social media, by paying regards to his efforts for the cricket.
“Thank You Ashwin. A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation. Congratulations on a legendary career,” the statement read.
He announced his retirement during a press conference by saying, “Today is my last day as an international cricketer.”
Ashwin started his career in 2010 and performed best in home Test matches. His best spin bowling made him a significant player in India’s red-ball history.
Ashwin became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, taking 537 wickets in 106 matches. The top wicket-taker player is Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets. In total, he took 775 wickets across all formats, including 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests.
The 38-year-old also earned the record for the fastest player to reach 350 Test wickets, achieving this milestone in just 66 matches. His retirement announcement followed India’s third Test against Australia, where he played his final game.
He also made a record by getting 350 Test wickets in only 66 matches. He played his final game against Australia in Gabba and announced his retirement.
His fellow players paid him tribute by expressing their sentiments on social media. Some of them are mentioned below,
Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 18, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli)December 18, 2024
@ashwinravi99, your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary! With over 700 international wickets and a keen cricketing mind, you are one of the finest to have graced the field. Congratulations on a stellar career, and here’s to an even brighter future off the field! Pic.twitter.com/60lbNnyPi8
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 18, 2024
The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024
An absolute match-winner, @ashwinravi99! Retiring as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket is nothing short of monumental. Combine that with his invaluable batting contributions, and you get one of the game’s solid all-rounders. Well done, Ash! Pic.twitter.com/9UAxCNouSf
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 18, 2024
