New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin sent shockwaves across the cricketing world by announcing retirement from international cricket following the drawn Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane. Ashwin announced his decision in the post-match press conference alongside Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.
While Ashwin dropped the bombshell in the press room, his announcement looked imminent following visuals of him talking to Virat Kohli in the dressing room during Day 5. A visibly emotional was involved in an animated discussion with Kohli and shared a hug with the superstar batter.
“Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer in all formats,” said Ashwin after a rain-marred third Test ended in a draw. Ashwin made a short statement and declined to take any questions from the reporters before leaving the room. Ashwin also thanked current skipper Rohit, previous skipper Virat and his former teammates Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane for taking numerous catches and contributing to his wickets tally.
WATCH: Ashwin announces retirement in an emotional press conference
Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
Congratulations on a brilliant career 👏 pic.twitter.com/UHWAFmMwC0
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 18, 2024
End of a remarkable career
Ashwin, 38, bids adieu to cricket as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 wickets in 106 games. He is only behind the iconic leg-spinner Anil Kumble (619 wickets) in the all-time list of the Indian bowlers.
In ODI cricket, Ashwin was part of the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning teams. He won both the trophies under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
While the off-spinner has bid farewell to international cricket, he will continue to play club cricket, including the IPL, where he will make a comeback to his hometown club Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 edition.
Ashwin will return to India on Thursday while the whole team will pack their bags and travel to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test starting on December 26.
The series is tied at 1-1 after the drawn Gabba Test.
R Ashwin retires: Legendary off-spinner Ravichandran stunned the cricketing world by announcing a surprise retirement after the drawn Gabba Test between India and Australia. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
