Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his decision to retire from all formats of cricket with immediate effect following the draw in the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 18). At the time of retirement, the 38 year-old is fifth and third on the ICC Test rankings for bowlers and allrounders respectively.
The second highest wicket taker for India in Tests, behind Anil Kumble, Ashwin has called time on a 14-year career during which he played 106 tests, the last of which was the day-night game in Adelaide earlier in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The fastest bowler to 250, 300 and 350 Test scalps, Ashwin finishes with an overall tally of 537 that puts him seventh on the all-time list of highest wicket-takers in Test history.
RAVI ASHWIN ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT.
– An emotional speech by Ash. 🥹❤️pic.twitter.com/ZkVoKVD0m0
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 18, 2024
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” he said appearing alongside Rohit Sharma in a press conference at the end of the Brisbane Test.”I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to expose that probably… showcase that in clubs that are in cricket, but this will be the last day. I had a lot of fun.
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“I must say I created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates. Even though I lost some of them over the last few years, we are the last bunch of OGs, if you can say that, left out of the dressing room. I would be marking this as my date of having played at this level.
“Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank, but I would be failing in my duties if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the fellow teammates. I want to name a few of them. All the coaches who have been a part of the journey.
Your passion for the game will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the memories and unforgettable performances. Thank you Ash Anna ❤#INDvAUS #Ashwin #IndvsAus #Goat pic.twitter.com/LAXGmbQCnI
— Dhulendra Raika (@dhulendraraika) December 18, 2024
“Most importantly, Rohit, Virat [Kohli], Ajinkya [Rahane], [Cheteshwar] Pujara, who have taken those catches around the back to give me the number of wickets I have managed to get over the years. Also, a big thank you to the Australian cricket team, who have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed my time playing against them,” he added.
