Spinner Ashwin announces retirement from India duties
India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket.
The 38-year-old, who ranks as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history, made the announcement following the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane, where he did not play.
Ashwin, widely regarded as one of the modern game’s greats, enjoyed a stellar 14-year career with India. In 106 Tests, he claimed 537 wickets at an average of 24, making him the second-highest wicket-taker among Indian bowlers, behind only Anil Kumble’s 619 wickets. He also scored six centuries, with a batting average of 25.75.
At a press conference at the Gabba, Ashwin confirmed, “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 showcase that in club-level cricket.”
Ashwin also excelled in limited-overs cricket, taking 156 wickets at an average of 33.20 in 116 One-Day Internationals and 72 wickets at an average of 23.22 in 65 T20s. He was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, playing two games in the tournament.
Ashwin will be most remembered for his exceptional Test career, with 37 five-wicket hauls, second only to Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan in the all-time list. He was the leading wicket-taker in India’s recent series against England, including a match-winning 24 wickets during the 4-1 home series victory this year.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that Ashwin had considered retiring before the Australia tour but was convinced to continue. “He’s had so many big moments with the Indian team and he’s been a big match-winner for us. He’s allowed to make these decisions, and if it is now, so be it,” said Rohit.
Former captain Virat Kohli, who played alongside Ashwin for 14 years, expressed his admiration, saying, “I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you Ash. Your skill and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.”
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins praised Ashwin’s longevity and impact on the game, saying, “He’s obviously been a fantastic player all around the world… There aren’t that many finger spinners who have that kind of longevity.”
India coach Gautam Gambhir, who played alongside Ashwin, wrote on X, “The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler because of Ashwin.”
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