Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year career. The 37-year-old made the announcement following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Brisbane, a match that ended in a draw.

In an emotional post-match press conference, Ravichandran Ashwin, seated alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, confirmed his decision, saying, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level.”

A Career to Remember

Ashwin leaves the international stage as one of India’s most accomplished cricketers. His numbers speak volumes:

• Second-Highest Test Wicket-Taker for India: With 537 wickets in 106 matches, Ashwin trails only Anil Kumble (619 wickets) in India’s Test cricket history.
• A True All-Rounder: Ashwin amassed 3503 Test runs, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries, making him a rare cricketer with over 3000 runs and 300 wickets.
• Master of the Long Format: He won 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, tied with Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan for the most in Test history.

Ashwin also contributed significantly in white-ball cricket, taking 156 wickets in 116 ODIs and 72 wickets in 65 T20Is. He was a vital member of the team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The Announcement and Reflections

Ashwin shared his thoughts on retiring, expressing gratitude to his teammates, the BCCI, and fans. He highlighted the memories he created with players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, while also thanking Australia for being fierce competitors throughout his career.

“It’s a very emotional moment,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of fun and created many memories. I’ve given my all to Indian cricket, and now it’s time to step aside.”

What’s Next for Ashwin?

Although retiring from international cricket, Ashwin hinted at staying connected to the game. He may continue to play domestic and franchise cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). Recently, he was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 9.75 crore and will represent the team in the IPL 2025 season.

“This game has given me everything, and I will remain associated with it in some capacity,” he added.

The Legacy

Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement comes at a time when India is transitioning to a new era in cricket. Known for his tactical brilliance, unrelenting determination, and versatility, Ashwin’s impact goes beyond the numbers. He has been a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers, showcasing how intellect and skill can dominate the game.

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