Fans say its end of an era
Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner and one of the finest bowlers of his generation, has announced his retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Brisbane’s Gabba on Wednesday. The match ended in a draw, with the series level at 1-1, marking the final chapter of Ashwin’s illustrious career in Test cricket. His decision comes after his involvement in the second Test in Adelaide, signalling the end of his remarkable journey in the longest format.
Emotional Farewell: Virat Kohli’s Support
Ashwin’s announcement was preceded by an emotional moment in the dressing room during a rain break on Day 5. He shared a heartfelt conversation with former India captain Virat Kohli, and the two embraced warmly, marking an emotional farewell to the international cricketing world. This moment of connection between the two legends highlighted the deep respect and camaraderie that Ashwin fostered throughout his career.
Ashwin’s Record-Breaking Career
The 38-year-old spinner leaves behind a legacy as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, with an astonishing 537 wickets from 106 Tests. Ashwin’s career was defined by his consistency, tactical brilliance, and remarkable skill. His 37 five-wicket hauls are the second-most by any bowler in Test history, only behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralidaran (67). Ashwin also made his mark in the World Test Championship (WTC), becoming the first bowler to take 100 WTC wickets. He currently holds the record for the most WTC wickets with 195 scalps from 41 matches, ahead of Australia’s Nathan Lyon (190).
Ashwin’s Impact on Indian Cricket and Global Respect
Ashwin’s retirement comes as India’s spin quartet remains at the top of world cricket, with Ashwin playing a pivotal role in both home and away victories. His contributions were widely recognized, with Australia’s Nathan Lyon paying tribute to Ashwin’s skills and attitude. Lyon called him a “fantastic” competitor and praised the respect Ashwin commanded both on and off the field. The two spinners shared a deep mutual respect, often engaging in insightful discussions about their craft.
Continued Franchise Cricket Involvement
While Ashwin is retiring from international cricket, he will continue to make his mark in franchise cricket. He was recently purchased by the Chennai Super Kings for Rs 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, marking his return to the franchise where his IPL journey began. Ashwin’s involvement in the Indian Premier League will add another exciting chapter to his career in the shorter format.
Ashwin: A Master Strategist and All-Rounder
Ashwin was never just a bowler; he was a master tactician who outwitted batters with his variations and strategies, especially in Indian conditions. His ability to dominate left-handed batters further cemented his reputation as one of the finest spinners of his era. Of his 537 Test wickets, 383 were taken on Indian soil at an exceptional average of 21.57, showcasing his dominance in home conditions. However, despite his brilliance, Ashwin was often overlooked for overseas tours, where conditions were not always favorable for his bowling style. He played 26 Tests in the SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), where his contributions were sometimes underutilized.
Ashwin’s Contributions with the Bat
In addition to his bowling prowess, Ashwin was a valuable lower-order batsman. He scored 3503 runs in Tests, including six centuries and ten half-centuries, at an average of 25.75. His recent century against Bangladesh was a testament to his all-round capabilities, proving that he was not just a bowler but a genuine asset with the bat as well.
A Legendary Career Comes to an End
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary 14-year career that saw him become a modern-day cricketing legend. His departure brings an end to a golden era in Indian cricket, defined by his unmatched skill, consistency, and contributions both with the ball and bat. While his international career may be over, his influence will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
The Future: IPL and Beyond
Although Ashwin is stepping away from international cricket, his journey in the IPL is far from over. He remains a key figure in franchise cricket, where he will continue to add to his legacy in the T20 format. His passion for the game remains undiminished, and his adaptability across different formats ensures that Ashwin will continue to be a significant presence in the world of cricket for years to come.
