Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket After Illustrious Career

In a development that has left the cricketing world reflecting on an extraordinary career, India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. The 38-year-old maestro, renowned for his tactical brilliance and mastery of the ‘carrom ball,’ departs the international stage as one of India’s most celebrated cricketers.

A Glittering Career of Records and Milestones

Ashwin’s career is a testament to sustained excellence and evolution. Since making his debut in a One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka in 2010, he went on to fill the void left by the legendary Anil Kumble. Over 14 years, Ashwin claimed 537 wickets from 106 Test matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, only behind Kumble’s 619 wickets.

His impact was not limited to Tests. Ashwin also represented India in 116 ODIs and 65 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing a total of 765 wickets across all formats. His ability to outfox batters with his impeccable control and varied arsenal of deliveries made him one of the most feared spinners in world cricket.

The Evolution of a Master Craftsman

Ashwin’s journey from a traditional off-spinner to a master of the ‘carrom ball’ reflects his relentless pursuit of perfection. Obsessed with the nuances of spin bowling, he constantly tinkered with his technique and expanded his repertoire, even bowling leg spin in domestic cricket to stay ahead of the curve.

One of Ashwin’s most talked-about skills was the ‘carrom ball’ — a delivery flicked with the knuckle, designed to leave batters in confusion. This unique delivery became his trademark and left batters worldwide scratching their heads.

Beyond his bowling, Ashwin evolved into a dependable lower-order batter, amassing six Test centuries during his career. His all-round ability often turned games in India’s favor, especially on home soil, where his performances were pivotal to India’s dominance.

An Advocate of the Mankading Controversy

Ashwin also sparked debates around cricket’s unwritten rules when he famously ‘Mankaded’ England’s Jos Buttler during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. The dismissal, where a bowler runs out a non-striker who leaves the crease before the ball is bowled, drew mixed reactions from fans and pundits. While some criticized the act as against the ‘spirit of cricket,’ Ashwin firmly stood by it, advocating for adherence to the rules of the game.

The Final Chapter

Ashwin’s retirement came as a surprise, especially since it was kept tightly under wraps. He was not part of the playing XI for India’s first Test against Australia in Perth but returned for the second day-night Test in Adelaide, where he took one wicket. That match, it turns out, was his swansong. He was left out of the squad for the final Test in Brisbane, where India secured a rain-affected draw.

Speaking to reporters with Indian captain Rohit Sharma by his side, Ashwin said, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket.”

An Emotional Farewell

The final moments of Ashwin’s international career were filled with nostalgia and emotion. In the dressing room, he shared a warm hug with teammate Virat Kohli, a gesture that symbolized the camaraderie of a generation of cricketers who rose together.

“I have created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates, even though I have lost some of them (from the India side) over the last few years,” Ashwin reflected. “We’re the last bunch of OGs, if we can say that, left out in the dressing room, and I will be marking this as my date of having played at this level.”

A Legacy that Lives On

Ashwin’s influence extended beyond Indian cricket. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon openly called Ashwin one of his “biggest coaches” during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Such respect from a contemporary rival highlights Ashwin’s lasting impact on the art of spin bowling.

While Ashwin’s international career has ended, his passion for cricket continues. He plans to keep playing at the club level, where he aims to “express” his love for the game. His absence from the Indian team leaves a void that will be hard to fill, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.