Ashwin’s Retirement: A Historic Cricket Career Concludes

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier spinners, has announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane on December 18, 2024. The announcement marked the conclusion of a remarkable 14-year international career. Known for his tactical brilliance and record-breaking achievements, Ashwin’s retirement follows a stellar career in which he became one of India’s greatest match-winners. He leaves behind a legacy as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket and one of the most versatile bowlers in the history of the game.

Key Points

Retirement Announcement

• Ashwin announced his retirement after India’s draw in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane.

Career Overview

• Ashwin played 106 Test matches, taking 537 wickets, making him India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker.
• He holds 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, ranking second behind Muttiah Muralidaran (67).
• His career spanned 287 international matches, with Ashwin also excelling in ODIs (116 matches) and T20Is (65 matches).

Notable Achievements

• Ashwin ranks seventh on the all-time list for Test wickets with 537 scalps.
• He holds the record for dismissing the most left-handed batsmen in Test cricket (268).
• He was the first bowler to take 100 wickets in the World Test Championship and remains the highest wicket-taker in the WTC with 195 wickets.
• Ashwin is also a useful lower-order batsman, with 3503 runs in Tests, including six centuries and 14 fifties.
• Record for Century and Five-Wicket Haul: He holds the Indian record for the most instances (4) of a century and a five-wicket haul in the same Test.

Legacy in Indian Cricket

• Ashwin played a crucial role in India’s success in the World Test Championship and helped fill the key role of a spin bowler alongside other legends of the game.

International Farewell

• Ashwin’s final Test appearance was at Adelaide during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 
• He received praise from Australian bowler Nathan Lyon, who spoke highly of Ashwin’s skill and character on and off the field.

Franchise Cricket

• Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ashwin is expected to continue playing in the IPL and has recently secured a contract with Chennai Super Kings for Rs 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

Retirement Impact

• His retirement marks the end of an era for India’s spin bowling and will be felt deeply within the cricket community.