Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner and one of the greatest all-rounders of his generation, has announced his retirement from international cricket. This monumental decision was revealed after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Brisbane, marking the end of a glittering 14-year career.
Ashwin's international career, which began in 2010, is adorned with numerous accolades. As a cricketer, he has set benchmarks across all formats:
Ashwin is one of only 11 all-rounders in the history of cricket to achieve the milestone of 3000 Test runs and 300 Test wickets. His 11 Player-of-the-Series awards place him alongside legends like Muthiah Muralidaran.
Ashwin’s decision came after playing just one of the first three Tests in the ongoing series in Australia. Speaking at the press conference in Brisbane, Ashwin said, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I’ve had a lot of fun and created many memories with my teammates."
He expressed gratitude to the BCCI, his fellow teammates, coaches, and even his opponents, especially the Australian cricket team. Ashwin highlighted the importance of his partnerships with players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, who have been instrumental in his journey.
Ashwin’s retirement comes at a time when he is not a regular in India’s overseas Test XI. With India’s next home series scheduled after a gap and Ashwin turning 39 before the next season, this decision appears to be a well-thought-out move. However, Ashwin emphasized that his cricketing journey is not entirely over as he plans to continue playing at the club level and in domestic leagues like the IPL and TNPL.
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, praised Ashwin’s decision as a personal and respectful choice, stating, “A player like Ashwin, who has been a match-winner for us, deserves to make such decisions on his terms.”
Ashwin will continue his association with cricket in different capacities. He remains a key player for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, having been bought for INR 9.75 crore during the 2025 auction. Fans can expect to see Ashwin make impactful contributions in domestic cricket and beyond.
Ashwin’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From being a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack to contributing valuable runs with the bat, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. As he moves on to the next chapter of his life, the cricketing world salutes this legend for his unparalleled contributions to the game.
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