Ravichandran Ashwin Retires as India’s Second-Highest Test Wicket-Taker

Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finishing with 537 wickets, the second-highest by an Indian in Tests.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s top off-spinner, announced his retirement after a 13-year career, with 537 wickets, second only to Anil Kumble’s 619. He revealed his decision after India’s draw in the 3rd Gabba Test against Australia and will return to India tomorrow.

“This will be my final day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. While I feel there’s still some cricket left in me, I wish to explore and demonstrate it at the club level.

But today marks the end. It has been an incredible journey, and I’ve created many unforgettable memories with Rohit and my other teammates.”

“Although I’ve lost some teammates over the years, we are the last group of original players, if I can put it that way.

Left out in the dressing room, I’ll remember this as the day I played at this level,” Ashwin said during India’s post-match press conference.

“I have many people to thank, but I must especially acknowledge the BCCI, my teammates, and coaches. I’m grateful to Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara for their key catches around the bat, which helped me take wickets over the years.”

Speculation about R Ashwin’s retirement grew when, during the rain break on Day 5, cameras captured Virat Kohli hugging an emotional Ashwin.

It was clear something was happening as cameras showed Ashwin with Australian spinner Nathan Lyon. During a live broadcast, Sunil Gavaskar hinted at Ashwin’s retirement, which Ashwin confirmed a few hours later.

retires midway through the India vs Australia Test series, after playing just one match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India included Ashwin in the playing XI for the second Test in Adelaide, which Australia won by ten wickets. He took just one wicket in the match and scored 22 and 7 runs.

Also Read: Spin Maestro R Ashwin Bids Farewell to International Cricket

Ashwin legend in Tests unmatched

Although performed reasonably well in limited-overs cricket, it was in Test matches where he truly made his mark, becoming almost irreplaceable. He dominated opposition batters, particularly on Indian pitches.

Ashwin has an exceptional record against left-handed batters. Out of all his Test wickets, Ashwin has taken 383 in India, with an impressive average of 21.57.

Despite being a modern-day great, selectors frequently left Ashwin out of the playing XI during India’s overseas tours. He featured in 26 Tests across SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).

Ashwin also showcased his resilience with the bat, scoring six centuries and 10 half-centuries in Tests. In 106 matches, he accumulated 3503 runs at an average of 25.75.

Also Read: India Warned by Donald Trump over High Tariffs