India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately. The announcement came on the final day of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane, which ended in a rain-affected draw.
Accompanying skipper Rohit Sharma to the post-match press conference, Ravichandran Ashwin delivered the surprising news. “I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer,” he said before leaving without taking questions from the media.
Captain Rohit Sharma, visibly emotional, expressed his support for Ashwin’s decision. “He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants,” Rohit stated.
A Stellar 14-Year Career
Ravichandran Ashwin concludes an illustrious 14-year international career, firmly establishing himself as one of India’s greatest bowlers. He retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets in 106 matches, including an impressive 37 five-wicket hauls.
Beyond his bowling achievements, Ashwin excelled as a Test all-rounder, scoring six centuries and once holding the title of the top-ranked Test all-rounder in ICC rankings.
In white-ball cricket, Ashwin played 116 ODIs, claiming 156 wickets, and participated in 65 T20Is, where he took 72 wickets.
World Test Championship Milestones
Ashwin’s retirement coincides with a golden era for India’s spin quartet, especially in the World Test Championship (WTC). He made history as the first bowler to claim 100 WTC wickets, achieving the milestone in just 41 matches. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon follows him with 190 wickets.
Transition to Franchise Cricket
Though Ashwin has retired from international cricket, his journey in the sport continues. Recently acquired by Chennai Super Kings for ₹9.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, Ashwin remains committed to playing franchise cricket.
A Memorable Farewell
In the final moments of the Gabba Test, Ashwin shared a heartfelt moment with teammate Virat Kohli in the dressing room. The two were seen chatting warmly, with Kohli hugging Ashwin and sparking speculation about his retirement, which was later confirmed.
The 38-year-old spinner, who also played the day-night Test in Adelaide, took one wicket in what now stands as his final international match.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian cricket, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
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