Indian spinner R Ashwin has retired from international cricket. He announced his decision after the third Test against Australia in Brisbane, which ended in a draw, during a press conference with captain Rohit Sharma.
R Ashwin played in the second Test of the series in Adelaide but was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja for the Brisbane match. Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets in 106 matches, just behind Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets.
Emotional Moment Between Virat Kohli And R Ashwin
Rumors about Ashwin’s retirement started when he was seen hugging former captain Virat Kohli in the dressing room at the Gabba during a rain break on Wednesday. Their intense conversation sparked speculation on social media.
Har video kuch kehta hai. #RAshwin #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/06LGo4Dur5
— Devendra Pandey (@pdevendra) December 18, 2024
Ashwin Thanks Teammates, Coaches, and BCCI
R Ashwin quickly put an end to the rumors by announcing his retirement right after the third Test ended in a draw. He said:
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricket in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me in a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohitt and several of my teammates,” Ashwin said at the press conference.
He added: “Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank. But, I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the rest of my teammates. I want to name a few of them and all the coaches — Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya and Pujara who have taken all those catches in the slips to help me get those wickets.”
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Further, R Ashwin also thanked the Australian cricket team. He said:“Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team. They have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed playing alongside them.”
“I won’t be taking any questions, but certainly, it’s a very emotional moment.”
Known for his sharp cricketing mind, Ashwin made his debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly became a vital part of India’s Test team. Ashwin will continue playing T20 cricket and will represent the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 season.
R Ashwin shared an emotional moment with star batter Virat Kohli in the dressing room just hours before announcing his retirement. The BCCI honored him in a tribute post on X, calling him “a name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation.”
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡
A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏
The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
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