Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, shocked the cricket world by announcing his immediate retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of the third Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Brisbane on Wednesday. With this announcement, Ashwin ended his illustrious career that spanned over a decade, returning to India the following day, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
In an emotional press conference after the Test, Ashwin shared his decision with the world. “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” he stated, his voice tinged with emotion. Despite admitting that he “still had a little bit of punch left” in him, Ashwin felt that the time had come to step away from international cricket and focus on playing at the club level moving forward.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma Reveals Emotional Moment With Ravichandran Ashwin
The Indian dressing room witnessed a deeply emotional farewell as Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket. His close friend and teammate, Virat Kohli, was visibly moved and shared a heartfelt hug with him.
🫂💙🇮🇳
Emotional moments from the Indian dressing room 🥹#AUSvINDOnStar #BorderGavaskarTrophy #Ashwin #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/92a4NqNsyP
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 18, 2024
Virat Kohli later took to social media, expressing his emotions, saying, “I’ve played with you for 14 years, and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional. Flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you, Ash. Your skill and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none. You will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.”
WATCH – Ravichandran Ashwin Bids Farewell To International Cricket After Iconic Career
Kohli continued, “Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything, buddy.”
I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024
The tributes for Ashwin quickly flooded in from across the cricketing world. Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle praised Ashwin’s immense impact, stating, “One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions, Ashwin, and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best, and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you.”
One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions @ashwinravi99 and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you. pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2024
Yuvraj Singh, another former teammate of Ashwin, congratulated him on his legendary career, saying, “Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you’ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side!”
Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you’ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side! 🙌🏻 @ashwinravi99
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 18, 2024
Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, also shared an emotional message, reflecting on Ashwin’s remarkable journey. “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 generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler because of Ashwin! You will be missed, brother!”
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 coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024
Hey Ash, congratulations on a magnificent career, old boy. You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft. God bless. @ashwinravi99 @BCCI @ICC #Ashwin #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/ZLelKjmEdu
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 18, 2024
287 international matches, 765 wickets, over 4000 runs 🏏
Thank you for the countless memories, #Ashwin Anna ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UO8CdDTWSM
— Google India (@GoogleIndia) December 18, 2024
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. With 537 wickets in 106 Tests, he is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, just behind the legendary Anil Kumble. His remarkable adaptability to various conditions and his unparalleled skill with the ball made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team. Ashwin’s retirement signifies the closing of a chapter for Indian cricket, but his legacy will live on for generations to come.