Ravichandran Ashwin stuns cricket world with shock retirement after Brisbane Test

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stunned the cricket world by suddenly announcing his retirement from international cricket after the third Test against Australia ended in a draw on Day 5 at the Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 18).

As the umpire announced the draw after the persistent rain in Brisbane, Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. Reflecting on his journey, Ashwin shared that he enjoyed his time in the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin bids farewell to International Cricket after the Gabba Test

The legendary off-spinner has also emphasized the unique camaraderie and experiences shared with his teammates as part of the last group of original stalwarts in the Indian dressing room. Ashwin feels he still has more to offer as a cricketer, but he wants to continue playing in domestic and club-level cricket.

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Ravichandran Ashwin said at the press conference, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer. There's a bit left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to exploit it at the domestic and club-level cricket, but this would be the last day at the international level. I have had a lot of fun and a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates.”

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

Reflecting on his journey, India’s second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket has expressed his gratitude for the memories created with teammates, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara. He also highlighted their contributions to his success.

Ravichandran Ashwin expresses gratitude to BCCI, coaches, and India teammates

The off-spinner also thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and all the coaches who have supported him throughout his journey. However, Ashwin didn’t mention any, as he was quite emotional and refused to take much time at the press conference in Brisbane, bidding farewell to the Indian dressing room, where he has spent many years.

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Ashwin continued, “We've been the last bunch of OGs I can say that are left out in the dressing room. I can mark this as my last day in the dressing room. I have several people to thank, but I would be failing in my duties if I didn't thank the BCCI and my teammates. I want to name a few of them, all the coaches who've been part of the journey, most importantly Rohit, Virat, and Ajinkya, who have taken a number of catches around the bat and have given men a number of wickets that I've managed over a number of years. This game has given me a lot.”

Ashwin finishes as one of India’s greatest ever spinners

Notably, Ashwin played only in the second Test on the ongoing Australia tour. He played his last game for India in Adelaide, where he managed a solitary wicket during India’s 10-wicket loss in the second Test before being dropped for Ravindra Jadeja at the Gabba.

Ashwin, who never missed a home Test match, is one of India’s greatest ever spinners and finished his Test career with 537 wickets and 3503 runs in 106 matches.