New Delhi: Veteran India spinner R Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after India played out a draw against Australia in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday. Ashwin joined Indian skipper Rohit Sharma at the post-match presser in Brisbane and confirmed he will be drawing curtains on his glorious international career across all formats.
Ashwin’s decision to retire came as a surprise to many as the willy off-spinner had been doing well for India in the whites and was a consistent performer in the longest format. Ashwin played his last Test for India in the 2nd Test against Australia in Adelaide which ended in a shattering 10-wicket defeat for the visitors. Ashwin finished with 29 runs and a solitary wicket in his final Test match for India.
One of the best spinners to have played for the country and one of the greatest servants of Indian cricket, Ashwin made his international debut in June 2010 and quickly went on to become a vital cog in the Indian bowling line-up across formats. With Anil Kumble retired and Harbhajan Singh on the wane, Ashwin made rapid progress in his international career and filled in the void to ensure a smooth transition.
Though not many saw Ashwin retiring from international cricket midway through the series, there were obvious indications after the premier off-spinner was seen in tears while sitting with Virat Kohli in the Indian dressing room on Day 5 of the Gabba Test. Ashwin was also spotted sharing an emotional embrace with Kohli in what was a clear hint of what was to come.
Virat Kohli gives an hug to a very emotional Ravichandran Ashwin. I think we are closing to a big announcement soon.
— Kanav Bali (@Concussion__Sub) December 18, 2024
R Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests
Ashwin will retire as India’s second-highest wicket-taker of all time in Tests and will go down as one of the best spinners the game has ever seen. The 38-year-old drew curtains on his glorious 14-year-long international career with an impressive 537 wickets in 106 Tests, including 37 five-wicket hauls, the second-most by any bowler in the longest format, behind only the legendary Mutiiah Muralitharan (67).
Ashwin also enjoyed great success in white-ball cricket despite being a Test specialist for the majority of his career. The off-spinner picked up 156 wickets in 116 ODIs and finished with 72 wickets in 65 T20Is for India. He was part of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad under MS Dhoni and later played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2013.
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
More to follow…
Team India spinner R Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after India played out a draw against Australia in the 3rd Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
