Emotions ran high in the Indian dressing room on Wednesday as Ravichandran Ashwin walked in for the final time after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw in Brisbane. The veteran off-spinner stunned the cricketing world with his unexpected announcement of retirement during the post-match press conference alongside captain Rohit Sharma.
As Ravichandran Ashwin made his way back to the changing room, he was greeted with heartfelt congratulations from everyone who crossed his path. Australian players Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins presented him with an autographed Australian jersey, wishing him all the best for his future endeavours. The Indian team, too, gave Ashwin a warm reception, with a thunderous round of applause. Yashasvi Jaiswal expressed his disbelief, saying, “I’m still unable to realise [that you are retiring].”
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Standing at the front of the room, Ravichandran Ashwin addressed his teammates in a heartfelt farewell speech, while the room fell silent, each player listening intently. Ashwin admitted, “Don’t know how to go about this. It’s easier to speak in a team huddle. Even though I’m not exhibiting it, but it’s truly an emotional moment for me.” He recalled his first tour to Australia in 2011-12 and the transition he witnessed when cricketing legends like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar retired. “But everybody’s time comes, and today it was mine,” he added, reflecting on the end of his illustrious career.
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Ravichandran Ashwin also spoke fondly of the bonds he had formed over the years, saying, “I thoroughly enjoyed it, built some great relationships and friendships over the last four-five years notably. I’m leaving some of my teammates who have been playing with me dearly.” The off-spinner admitted that every year in recent times, he had come to value those relationships even more.
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Even though he announced his retirement, Ashwin assured his teammates that he would remain closely connected with them. “I’ll be taking a flight back home but I will be tuned in to watch how well you guys go in Melbourne,” he said. “The international cricketer in me might have come to an end but the cricket in me will never [end]. I will be looking forward to each one of your performances. All the very best. If at all you guys need anything, I’m a call away. Thanks, Rohit, thanks Virat, thanks Gauti Bhai… I’m so happy today,” he concluded.
With 765 wickets across all formats, Ashwin’s legacy is cemented as one of India’s greatest cricketers. He began his Test career in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly became a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack. Finishing with 449 wickets from 106 Tests at an average of 24, Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket is unparalleled, with 37 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket match performances. His retirement marks the end of a legendary era in Indian cricket.
