Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s legendary off-spinner and one of cricket’s most influential figures, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The announcement came shortly after the conclusion of the Brisbane Test, which ended in a draw. The 38-year-old revealed his decision during a post-match press conference alongside India’s captain, Rohit Sharma.
In an emotional moment that hinted at the announcement, Ashwin was embraced by his teammate Virat Kohli. The retirement became official when Rohit Sharma stood up to hug Ashwin after the announcement, marking the end of an illustrious two-decade-long career.
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Speaking at the press conference, Ashwin said, “I don’t want to make this about myself. This is my last day as an international cricketer. I’ve had a lot of fun and made a lot of memories alongside Rohit [Sharma] and several of my teammates. We’ve seen many of our peers retire over the years, and now it’s my turn. Today, I mark this as the end of my journey at this level.”
Ashwin took a moment to express gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), teammates, and coaches who were instrumental in his career. He singled out key figures like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, acknowledging their contributions in helping him achieve his many milestones. “I want to thank the BCCI, my teammates, and especially the fielders who took the catches to get me the wickets I did over the years,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin’s career is etched in history as one of the greatest off-spinners the game has seen. Over 106 Tests, he took an incredible 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, and scored 3,503 runs, showcasing his all-round ability. His consistency earned him the distinction of being the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, behind the legendary Anil Kumble (619). Globally, he ranks seventh among all-time Test wicket-takers and holds the second-most five-wicket hauls in Tests, trailing only Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (67).
Ashwin’s impact wasn’t limited to red-ball cricket. In ODIs, he played 116 matches, claiming 156 wickets at an average of 33.20, with his best figures of 4/25. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 707 runs, including a half-century. His prowess in T20Is saw him play 65 matches, taking 72 wickets at an average of 23.22, with best figures of 4/8. Across all formats, Ashwin ends his career with 765 international wickets, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble (953).
Ashwin redefined off-spin bowling with his unique variations, blending classical technique with innovation. His contributions extended beyond his wicket tally, as he played a crucial role in India’s dominance in Test cricket between 2014 and 2019, particularly in home conditions, where he was almost unplayable.
His captain, Rohit Sharma, summed up Ashwin’s career perfectly, calling him “a true match-winner India has ever seen.”
Beyond his bowling, Ashwin’s batting proved valuable in many situations. His ability to contribute lower down the order made him a dependable all-rounder, adding another dimension to his legacy.
In limited-overs cricket, Ashwin was an integral part of India’s success in major ICC tournaments. He was a key player in India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup triumph and the 2013 Champions Trophy victory. His achievements in ODIs and T20Is further solidify his standing as one of India’s finest cricketers.
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