Brisbane: India’s premier off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, shocked the cricketing world on Wednesday by announcing his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, during the ongoing Test series against Australia in Brisbane.
Ashwin, 38, retires as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, with 537 wickets from 106 matches, trailing only Anil Kumble, who holds the record with 619 wickets. Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ashwin confirmed he would continue playing club cricket.
“I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer,” Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test match in Brisbane, during a joint press conference with Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Ashwin declined to take any questions and left the stage shortly after making his announcement.
Rohit Sharma expressed his support for Ashwin’s decision, stating, “He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants.” The two were seen sharing an emotional moment in the dressing room earlier in the day.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid tribute to Ashwin’s legendary career, calling him “a name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of India’s most accomplished and influential cricketers.
