Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket: End of an Era
Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from All Formats of Cricket
Ashwin Bids Farewell After Illustrious 14-Year Career
Ravichandran Ashwin, the celebrated Indian cricketer, has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket with immediate effect. The decision came after the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 18. At 38 years old, Ashwin departs as a legend, holding the fifth and third positions in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers and all-rounders, respectively.
India’s Second-Highest Test Wicket-Taker
Ashwin, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests after Anil Kumble, ends a stellar 14-year international career. Over 106 Tests, including his final appearance in the Adelaide day-night Test during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin amassed 537 wickets, placing him seventh on the all-time Test wicket-takers list. Known for his record-breaking feats, Ashwin was the fastest bowler to reach 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets.
Emotional Farewell at the Press Conference
Speaking alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Ashwin expressed gratitude for his journey:
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I created many memories alongside Rohit and my teammates. I’m thankful to the BCCI, my fellow players, and all the coaches who supported me throughout.”
Ashwin thanked iconic players such as Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara for their contributions on the field, as well as the Australian cricket team for their fierce competition.
Remarkable Achievements and Records
- Test Milestones:
- 37 five-wicket hauls, the joint-second highest in Test cricket alongside Shane Warne.
- Dismissed 268 left-handers, the most in Test history.
- Scored 3503 Test runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties.
- Holds the Indian record for four instances of a century and a fifer in the same Test, second only to Ian Botham.
- All-Round Excellence:
- One of only three all-rounders to achieve 3000+ Test runs and 500+ wickets.
- Won 11 Man of the Series awards, equaling Muttiah Muralitharan’s record.
Contributions in Limited-Overs Cricket
A member of India’s victorious squads in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, Ashwin played 116 ODIs, taking 156 wickets at an economy of 4.93. In T20Is, he claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches.
Recognitions and Honors
- Awarded the Arjuna Award by the Indian government in 2015.
- Named ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016.
- Featured in the ICC Test Team of the Decade (2011-2020).
A Legacy Etched in Cricketing History
As Ashwin steps away from international cricket, his unparalleled contributions and records leave an indelible mark on the sport. While he hints at continuing in club cricket, his illustrious career will remain a source of inspiration for generations of cricketers.
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