Ravichandran Ashwin bids farewell to international cricket, reflects on memorable journey

Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: Following the draw in the third Test against Australia in Brisbane, India's celebrated off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket, bringing an illustrious 14-year career to a close. He is scheduled to return to India on Thursday.

"This marks my final day representing India in international cricket. While I believe there’s still some cricket left in me, I prefer to express that at the club level," Ashwin stated during a press conference after the Brisbane Test.

Reflecting on his journey, Ashwin shared fond memories with teammates, including Rohit Sharma. "We’re the last group of 'OGs' remaining in the dressing room. I will remember this day as my farewell from the international arena," he added, expressing gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his fellow players.

Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test history, with 537 dismissals in 106 matches, trailing only Anil Kumble’s 956 wickets. The 38-year-old ranks fifth in the ICC Test bowlers' rankings and third among all-rounders. He boasts an impressive record of 37 five-wicket hauls, tied for second-most in Test history alongside Shane Warne, only behind Muttiah Muralitharan (67).

In addition to his bowling achievements, Ashwin contributed significantly with the bat, amassing 3,503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties. He is among just 11 all-rounders to reach the milestone of 3,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket, and he has earned a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, equaling Muralitharan.

Ashwin has also represented India in 116 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 65 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Recently, he was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings for ₹9.75 crore in the mega auction and will participate in the IPL 2025 season.