Indian cricketing icon R Ashwin shocked fans and experts alike by announcing his retirement from international cricket immediately after the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday. The match, which ended in a draw, marked the end of a remarkable 13-year career for the veteran spinner. With an impressive tally of 537 wickets in 106 Tests, Ashwin stands as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the longest format, behind only the legendary Anil Kumble (619 wickets).

The 38-year-old spinner, known for his exceptional skill and tactical brilliance, made his announcement during a joint press conference with India captain Rohit Sharma. “I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer,” Ashwin declared, refraining from answering questions and exiting the stage after his statement.

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Ashwin’s decision to retire mid-series took many by surprise. He featured in the second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, where he picked up one wicket, but was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja for the Brisbane Test. While stepping away from international duties, Ashwin plans to continue contributing to the game through club cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from all forms of international cricket.

Congratulations on a brilliant career 👏 pic.twitter.com/UHWAFmMwC0

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 18, 2024

Rohit Sharma acknowledged Ashwin’s conviction, stating, “He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants.” The day also witnessed an emotional moment between Ashwin and Virat Kohli in the dressing room, underscoring the camaraderie and respect he commanded among teammates.

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Tributes poured in for the spinner, with the BCCI calling him “a name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation” in their farewell post. Ashwin’s retirement leaves a legacy of strategic genius and unmatched contributions to Indian cricket, etching his name as one of the greatest spinners the game has ever seen.

🫂💙🇮🇳

Emotional moments from the Indian dressing room 🥹#AUSvINDOnStar #BorderGavaskarTrophy #Ashwin #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/92a4NqNsyP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 18, 2024

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡

A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏

The ace spinner and #TeamIndia‘s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.

Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024

Must admit to being a bit emotional today. #Ashwin

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2024

🚨 JUST IN: Ravichandran Ashwin retires from all forms of international cricket #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QH09se7V81

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 18, 2024

a GOAT retires

Well done on what’s been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. @ashwinravi99

Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends ❤️#INDvAUS #ashwin#legend

— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 18, 2024

Kohli is all of us right now 😭#Ashwin pic.twitter.com/Drtwfhic23

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) December 18, 2024

A lot of hugs, from all the Indian fans, Ash Anna! ❤🫂

Ravichandran Ashwin 99, signing off. 🥺

📸: Star Sports | #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/EBU6wnSZtx

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) December 18, 2024

As Ravichandran Ashwin says bid adieu Test Cricket

Let’s have a look at all his wickets in Test Cricketpic.twitter.com/Htl6ekKWKr

— Aadi (@PhoenixRudolphh) December 18, 2024

Thank you, Ashwin. Been a privilege having grown up alongside your career. Still too frozen to let that sink in.

— Sarah Waris (@swaris16) December 18, 2024

Will miss you Ashwin. You deserved one WTC Title and one Captaincy stint atleast. 😔 pic.twitter.com/ZdERgQ2OBc

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 18, 2024

R. Ashwin retires from International cricket.

– Fastest Bowler to 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 Test Wickets

– 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, only behind Muttiah Muralitharan & Shane Warne

You did well. Farewell @ashwinravi99 🏅 pic.twitter.com/R0av4fyyhG

— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) December 18, 2024

Just 2-3 months ago, Ashwin scored a century under pressure at Chepauk, picked up wickets and named Man of the series, then started India’s batting failures but to cover up that they made him the scapegoat who had a rare failure in his whole career. He truly deserves better. pic.twitter.com/mp3HA0lLXa

— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) December 18, 2024

Farewell Ashwin.

765 wickets. At an avg of 25.80, The best avg among the Top 10 Indian highest wicket takers. And now an illustrious career in media awaits. Could be the most well accomplished yet great talker in the studio after Gavaskar. Well done!

— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) December 18, 2024

Also wish that New Zealand series wasn’t Ashwin’s last at home. Probably broke him.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) December 18, 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin calls it a day. One of the finest bowlers India has ever produced. What a warrior! 537 Test Wickets – for 12 years ensured India didn’t lose the series at home. Saved India on many occasions with the bat – 6 Test tons. Felt India could’ve used Ashwin v Smith.… pic.twitter.com/U1k6xZwEy3

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) December 18, 2024