India off-spinner R Ashwin unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. This news came amidst India’s ongoing Test series against Australia with the third Test finishing in a draw at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Ashwin revealed his decision after in a press conference alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. Ashwin stated that he still felt capable of playing the sport but wanted to focus on club cricket.
“Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer in all formats,” Ashwin declared during a joint press conference with captain Rohit.
He chose not to answer any questions after making his retirement announcement. “I do feel there is bit of punch left in me as a cricketer but I would like to showcase that in club level cricket,” he added.
The 38-year-old bowler ends his international career with remarkable statistics. He holds the second-highest wicket-taker position for India in Test matches, trailing only Anil Kumble. Ashwin amassed 537 Test wickets in 106 matches, a testament to his skill and longevity in the format. Kumble finished his career with 619 Test wickets.
Ashwin’s limited-overs career included being a part of India’s victorious campaigns in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. These triumphs mark significant highlights in his international journey.
His only appearance during the current Australian tour was in the Adelaide Test, where he secured one wicket.
Speaking about his surprise decision to retire, Ashwin’s friend Aravind Raghavan was taken aback too. “LEGENDS ARE MADE !!
It never really stuck me till now on what you have achieved because of the close quarters. Looking back on your journey it’s been one hell of a ride and an inspiring one. Never took you seriously even when you shared this thought a few months back. Now it’s just hitting me hard and feels personal. No home soil drama and just quietly retiring !!!! Wish you all success in your future endeavours, rest more and spend time with your family.
You are a legend. Period.
Good luck machi 🥹 🤗 😘 ,” wrote Raghavan, a coach and once the High Performance Coach at Ashwin’s Gen Next Cricket Academy in Chennai.
As far as the fate of the Indian cricket team is concerned, the series against Australia is still alive with two more Tests to go in Melbourne and Sydney.
He will continue his cricketing journey in various club competitions, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is slated to return to the Chennai Super Kings next year.
Ashwin’s one-day international career spanned 116 matches, yielding 156 wickets. He also represented India in 65 T20 internationals, claiming 72 wickets. He began his international career in 2010 with his ODI debut. His Test debut followed a year later, in 2011.
