R Ashwin announces retirement from International Cricket

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket, effective December 18, 2024, during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. As a result, he will not participate in the remaining two Test matches of the series. However, Ashwin will continue to play at the club level and will represent Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL season.

R. Ashwin made his Test debut for India in 2011 against the West Indies and went on to play 105 Test matches. He also represented India in 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is. Known as one of India’s greatest match-winners in home conditions, Ashwin has taken 537 wickets in Tests, including 37 five-wicket hauls, 156 wickets in ODIs, and 72 wickets in T20Is. Beyond his exceptional bowling, Ashwin was a reliable lower-order batter, scoring 3503 runs in Test cricket with six centuries. He is widely regarded as India’s best spinner of his generation and the second Indian behind only Anil Kumble in the number of wickets taken in Tests.

One of India’s cricketing legends, Ashwin concludes his illustrious career with two Asia Cup titles (2010 and 2016), an ODI World Cup victory in 2011, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He has also played key roles in several Test series wins, both abroad and at home while earning numerous personal accolades. His most notable awards include the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016.

Speaking on his retirement in the post-match conference, R Ashwin said: 

“I do feel that there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer but I would like to showcase that at club-level cricket. I’ve had a lot of fun; I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and my other teammates.
Most importantly Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara have taken those splendid catches around the bat to give me the number of wickets I’ve managed to get over the years.
The Australian cricket team has been a very fierce competitor, and I’ve enjoyed my time playing against them. It’s truly a very emotional moment, it’s a game that’s given me everything.”

BCCI issued a statement thanking R Ashwin on social media confirming the announcement: 

“Thank You Ashwin? A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation ?? The ace spinner and #TeamIndia’s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99??”