India's spin wizard R Ashwin bids goodbye to international cricket: Here's all about his record-breaking journey
Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately. The announcement came after the rain-hit third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane ended in a draw. “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to expose and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day. I've had a lot of fun," said Ashwin during an emotional post-match press conference.
Ashwin walks away with an illustrious career to his name. In Tests, he claimed 537 wickets at an average of 24, becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble. Along the way, he showcased his batting prowess with six centuries and 14 fifties. His white-ball stats are equally impressive. Ashwin played 116 ODIs, taking 156 wickets, and was a part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squads. In T20Is, he took 72 wickets in 65 matches.
Ashwin’s retirement seemed on the cards when TV cameras captured a heartfelt moment between him and Virat Kohli on the dressing room balcony during a rain delay. The emotional embrace was enough to hint at the announcement to follow. “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 fellow teammates, several of them. I want to name a few of them. All the coaches who've been a part of the journey, most importantly, Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara, who've taken those spending catches around the back to give me the number of wickets I've managed to get over the years," Ashwin added.
Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket are monumental. He was instrumental in India’s dominance at home for over a decade and played a pivotal role in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia. He joins an elite list of 11 all-rounders to achieve the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. Additionally, his record of 11 Player-of-the-Series awards speaks volumes about his impact.
Ashwin’s retirement statement was filled with gratitude. He expressed his love for the game and acknowledged his relationship with the media. “I think it's already getting long. I wouldn't be taking any questions, but it's truly a very emotional moment. I don't think I'm in a position where I would be answering the questions in the right way, so please pardon me for that. Once again, that's my time. “Thanks for being the journalist that you've been, writing good things and, of course, writing nasty things on occasions. That's a relationship I think we would maintain forever. I hope the cricketers to come in the future will also get the same amount of love that you've given them. “Once again, thank you all. See you all soon. As a cricketer, I've just stopped it. I might go on to be involved with the game because this is a game that's given me everything. Thank you," concluded Ashwin.
While fans will no longer see Ashwin don the Indian jersey, his legacy is firmly etched in the annals of cricket history. From his clever variations to his never-say-die attitude, Ashwin will always be remembered as one of the finest to have played the game. His next chapter awaits, and knowing Ashwin, it’s bound to be just as fascinating.
