The day 5 of the third test at the GABBA, Brisbane marked the end of an era for one of India’s most celebrated cricketers as Ravichandran Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket after India’s draw with Australia. It came after a heartwarming moment with former captain Virat Kohli when the two were seen embracing each other during a rain break on day 5 of the test match.
Ravichandran Ashwin Announces His Retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin, 37, did so in the post-match press conference with current India captain Rohit Sharma. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is now locked at 1-1 and the timing was after Ashwin’s test match participation in Adelaide, a fitting end to his 14-year career at the top-level of cricket.
Ashwin’s Test Career In Pictures
The Tamil Nadu spinner leaves India as one of its great cricketers, the country’s second-highest test match wicket-taker with 537 wickets in 106 test matches. Ashwin’s outstanding haul includes 37 five-wicket hauls that only Muttiah Muralidaran has beaten, with 67.
Ashwin’s Impact Beyond Test Match Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin’s success is not limited to test match cricket alone. He was a central figure in India’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup winning campaign in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Ravichandran Ashwin has featured for the Indian Cricket Team 287 times across all the formats since his international debut in 2010. Ashwin has taken 765 wickets in his career overall, the second-highest-ever for an Indian cricketer, behind only Anil Kumble, who tops the charts with 956 wickets.
Ashwin Reigns In World Test Championship
Ravichandran Ashwin is the most dominant in the WTC, where no one has outdone him. He became the first bowler to reach 100 WTC wickets and is now the highest wicket-taker in the competition, with 195 wickets from 41 matches. Ahswin’s record remains unmatched and Australia’s Nathan Lyon, who has taken 190 wickets, is in a close second.
Ashwin’s Future In Franchise Cricket
Despite retiring from international cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to remain active in franchise cricket. Ashwin recently made a big splash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by securing a lucrative Rs 9.75 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, marking a return to the franchise where he kickstarted his IPL career.
Ashwin’s Legacy
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian cricket. Ashwin will be remembered for his sharp cricketing intellect, tactical acumen and relentless dedication. Ashwin’s legacy will inspire generations to come and his contribution to Indian cricket, particularly in the spin department, remains monumental. Ashwin’s name will be etched in the annals of the game’s history.
As Ravichandran Ashwin retires, do you think he was the greatest spin-bowling all-rounder Indian ever had?
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
