Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket

India’s Ravichandran Ashwin. File
| Photo Credit: AP

India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday (December 18, 2024) after the end of the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane.

The announcement was made during the post-match press conference after the Gabba Test.

Also Read | R. Ashwin, India’s spin lynchpin, stand among the bowling pantheon

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats in the international level,” the 38-year-old told reporters at the Gabba ground.

He said, “I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to … showcase that in club level cricket.”

Ashwin added, “I have had a lot of fun. I must say I have created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates even though I have lost some of them over the last few years. We are the last bunch of OGs. Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank but I would be failing in my duties if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the fellow teammates. I want to name a few of them. All the coaches who have been a part of the journey, most importantly Rohit, Virat (Kohli), Ajinkya (Rahane), (Cheteshwar) Pujara, who have taken those splendid catches to give me the number of wickets I have managed to get over the years.”

The spin-master ends his Test career with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Test matches, the second-highest wicket-taker from India.

The BCCI in a post on X (formerly Twitter) thanked the all-rounder and said, “A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation. The ace spinner and Team India’s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.”

While speaking at the press conference, Ashwin said, “Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team who have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed my time playing against them. I think it is already getting long. I wouldn’t be taking any questions. But it is truly a very emotional moment.”