Senior Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. The announcement came after the conclusion of the third Test match against Australia, during a press conference. Prior to the announcement, an emotional video of Ashwin bidding farewell in the dressing room with fellow teammate Virat Kohli went viral on social media, capturing a heartfelt moment between the two.
Ashwin, reflecting on his illustrious career, shared, “I am proud to have played for India. I believe the time has come for me to step away. I’ve played 106 Tests, taken 537 wickets, and scored 3,503 runs. I am happy to have contributed to Indian cricket throughout my career.” The announcement marks the end of a remarkable journey for the all-rounder, who has been a crucial part of India’s bowling attack for over a decade.
Ashwin is scheduled to return to India on Thursday, as confirmed by Indian team captain Rohit Sharma in a press briefing after the match. Sharma expressed respect for Ashwin’s decision and revealed that the cricketer would not be playing in the remaining two Tests of the series. Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era, with the veteran cricketer having represented India in 106 Tests, 116 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 65 T20Is. Throughout his career, Ashwin accumulated 4,400 runs and 765 wickets across formats, solidifying his legacy as one of India’s finest all-rounders.
Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for his exceptional skill, perseverance, and ability to shine in all formats of the game. His decision to retire comes as a significant moment for Indian cricket fans, who have closely followed his journey over the years.
Look At Rohit Sharma's Face He Look's Emotional After R Ashwin Announcing His Retirement ..#INDvAUS #Ashwin pic.twitter.com/l9lWCQ3sSa
— Harsh 17 (@harsh03443) December 18, 2024