Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest all-rounders, announced his retirement during the Australia Test Series.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats in the international level,”
Ashwin: BBC Sport
He is the fifth cricketer after Anil Kumble, Graeme Swann, MS Dhoni, and Mitchell Johnson to retire in the middle of a Test Series.
This retirement call was to explore new opportunities in club cricket.
“I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that in club level cricket.”
Ashwin, who made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, is the seventh-highest wicket-taker with 537 wickets at an average of 24.
He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Anil Kumble, who took 619 at 29.65.
The 38-year-old also has 3,503 runs at an average of 25.75, with six hundred and 14 fifties.
Ashwin also represented India in ODI cricket, taking 156 wickets in 116 matches.
India Captain Rohit Sharma paid tribute to his veteran Off Spinner in the post-match press conference.
“One of the true match winners that India has ever seen. Whenever there was a crisis, we had to look upon Ash, and he was there to deliver for us,” “His records speak for themselves. He has been a servant of Indian cricket and has probably not left any stones unturned,”
Sharma: MSN
What also makes a bowler a legend in cricket is the ability to bowl in partnerships, and he certainly had that with Ravindra Jadeja, with 504 wickets in 50 Tests. This makes them the most successful bowling partnership for India in Tests.
India legend Sachin Tendulkar also paid tribute to Ashwin on social media.
Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win. Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been wonderful. Your journey shows that true greatness lies in never being afraid to experiment and evolve. Your legacy will inspire one and all. Wishing you all the very best for your 2nd innings.
Tendulkar: X.com
Kumble, India’s Head Coach from 2016 to 2019, complimented Ashwin on his career.
“Congratulations, Ash, on a fantastic career. You’ve been a champion bowler for India, a champion all-rounder for India. You’ll certainly be missed. It’s not that easy, carrying that kind of expectation day in and day out. You’ve done it right throughout your career. You’ve been a match-winner for India, and Team India will certainly miss you,”
Kumble: India Today
Virat Kohli, who captained Ashwin throughout his career, also shared an emotional message with his former teammate.
“I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.
Kohli: Independent
Ashwin was part of India’s World Cup-winning squad in 2011.
He also won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.
Two back-to-back IPL Titles with the Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011.
And two Champions League Titles in 2011 and 2014.
It may end a glorious career, but R. Ashwin’s name will be etched amongst the famous names in India’s cricketing history.
For more information on Ravichandran Ashwin, visit World In Sport.
