Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket

India's premier off-spinner R Ashwin on Wednesday surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement with immediate effect in the middle of the Test series against Australia here.

Ashwin retires from the game as the second highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets). He will continue to play club cricket.

"I won't take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer," Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test here in a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma during which he declined to take any questions and left after making the announcement.

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

Ashwin's announcement came after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw.

The 38-year-old played the day-night Test in Adelaide and picked up one wicket.

KOHLI 🙇 ASHWIN...!!!!

- Two greats of Indian cricket hugging during Gabba Test. pic.twitter.com/dPHL5PgBuV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 18, 2024

"He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants," said Rohit after Ashwin left the stage.

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

"A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation," said the BCCI in its tribute post on X.


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