Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket, ending a stellar 14-year career that has solidified his place as one of the greatest cricketers in India’s history. The decision came after the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on December 18, 2024, with Ashwin making the emotional announcement alongside his long-time teammate, Rohit Sharma.
At 38, Ashwin leaves the game with an extraordinary record, having played 106 Tests, claiming 537 wickets, and establishing himself as one of the finest spinners in cricket history. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, behind only Anil Kumble. Ashwin holds the prestigious record of being the fastest bowler to reach 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets, further cementing his legacy as a dominant force in the longest format.
"I feel there’s still some cricket left in me, but this is the last day I’ll be playing at the international level," Ashwin said in his retirement speech. "It’s been an incredible journey, and I am grateful to have shared the dressing room with players like Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara. I want to thank the BCCI, my coaches, and everyone who has been part of this journey. And of course, a special thanks to the Australian cricket team, who have been fierce competitors throughout my career."
Ashwin’s Test career was highlighted by 37 five-wicket hauls, joint-second in history with Shane Warne, and behind only Muttiah Muralitharan’s 67. He is also known for his all-round prowess, having scored 3503 runs in Test cricket, including six centuries and 14 fifties. Notably, he holds the Indian record for most instances (4) of scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same Test match, trailing only Ian Botham (5).
In limited-overs cricket, Ashwin was a key member of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squads. He played 116 One-Day Internationals, taking 156 wickets at an economy of 4.93. In T20I cricket, he featured in 65 matches, taking 72 wickets.
Throughout his career, Ashwin earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2015, the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award, and the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award in 2016. He was also named in the ICC Test Team of the Decade for 2011-2020, highlighting his consistency and impact over the years.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. However, he is far from done with the game. Ashwin will return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the 2025 season, bought by Chennai Super Kings for INR 9.75 crore. He is also expected to continue playing in domestic competitions like the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and other club-level cricket, showcasing his passion for the game beyond international cricket.
As he steps away from the international stage, Ravichandran Ashwin leaves behind an indelible legacy. His contributions to Indian cricket—both as a bowler and an all-rounder—will be remembered for generations, and his retirement marks the conclusion of a legendary career that has inspired countless cricketers around the world.
