Ravichandran

Indian Spin Wizard Ashwin Retires After Brilliant 14-Year Career: A Look Back at His Legendary Journey and Unmatched Records

 

One of the biggest stars of Indian cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket at a joint press conference he shared with Indian team captain, Rohit Sharma, in Brisbane on December 18, 2024, after the third Test against Australia. 

Ashwin has left an inspiring legacy behind, quitting when he was still in great touch, having had a career lasting more than 14 years since starting, wherein he became India's second-wicket taker from 537 wickets in Tests through 106 matches played.

 

Ashwin's Decision Comes After a Tough Series in Australia

 

Ashwin, who played in only one of the three Tests in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, said that he would not appear for India again in all formats. Though he was a superstar in India, the struggles Ashwin faced overseas in trying to make a difference forced his hands into not playing too many roles in the series.

He managed only one wicket in the day-night Test at Adelaide and merely 29 runs in the entire match. Ashwin often finds himself out of the playing eleven during overseas tours as the other spinners are considered better.

“I feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I’d like to showcase that at the club level,” Ashwin said at the emotional press conference. “Today will be my last day as an India cricketer in all formats.”

 

A Storied Career Filled with Milestones

 

Ashwin’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He played 116 One-Day Internationals and 65 T20 Internationals, claiming 156 and 72 wickets respectively. He could also score more than 3,500 runs in Tests with six centuries and 14 fifties. 

One of the most notable records is that he won 11 Player-of-the-Series awards record shared with Muttiah Muralidaran. Ashwin will always be remembered for his wizardry and innovation in bowling, and what he did for Indian cricket can never be erased from history.

 

Ashwin Reminiscence on a Sojourn Rich in Memories

 

Speaking during the declaration, Ashwin said he was grateful to his teammates, the coaches, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. He specifically mentioned a few mates, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara who have played a significant role in making him successful. "I have lost some of them over the years, but we are the last bunch of 'OGs' left in the dressing room. This is the date I mark as my last at this level," said Ashwin, visibly emotional

 

The End of an Era in Indian Cricket

 

Ashwin, who retired, is the end of an era for Indian cricket, for a player like him, who has created many Test victories for the country. His overseas contributions might be very limited, but his performance at home was always tremendous, especially against Australian and English teams. That is one reason why he'll be missed, and along with his retirement, the game will have to change its dynamics as it will start seeing new players coming up.

 

Ashwin's future in club cricket

 

Ashwin may have announced his international retirement, but he'll still play for the clubs; the first one being the CSK where he started his IPL journey. He will also be playing for the rest of the IPL journey into 2025 with all other legends. Ashwin had dropped hints that his relationship with the game may not remain as just a player, but a different kind of engagement in future.

 

Rohit Sharma Supports Ashwin's Decision

 

Speaking for Ashwin, on his declaration day was Rohit Sharma, who said that the team respected and understood his choice. "Some decisions are very personal, and if Ashwin has decided this, we fully respect it. 

He's been an integral part of the team for so long, and we stand by him," said Rohit, adding that Ashwin's contributions to Indian cricket would be cherished.

 

A Glorious Career Comes to an End

 

Ashwin departs from the international field as India's wicket-taker second behind only one of Test cricket-the great bowler, the legendary, the icon, and still going-strong Anil Kumble. Ashwin stands with an overall haul of 537 wickets taken at 24.00 in his record. His success for time immemorial will etched down in the cricketing world and Indian history- not by his wickets bag alone but also by how the era changed that of Indian spin bowling.

 

Ashwin's Last Goodbye: Future in the Game

 

As Ashwin walked off the field for the last time as an international cricketer, his teammates and fans alike stood in respect. The cricket world will remember him for his skill, consistency, and ability to turn games with his bowling. 

Though he bids farewell to international cricket, Ashwin's journey in the world of cricket is far from over, and his next chapter in the game is one that fans eagerly await.