India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retires from international cricket
India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from international cricket halfway through his side’s tour of Australia.
The 38-year-old, who took 537 wickets in 106 Tests, announced his immediate retirement after the third match in Brisbane ended in a rain-affected draw.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at an international level,” Ashwin told a press conference.
“I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer but I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡
A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏
The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
“It’s a very emotional moment. I have had a lot of fun. I have made a lot of memories.”
Ashwin was left out of the opening match of the series in Perth, before being recalled for the second Test in Adelaide. He was left out in Brisbane in favour of Ravindra Jadeja.
Captain Rohit Sharma said he was aware Ashwin was considering retirement before the series, but convinced him to play in Adelaide last week.
As well as his Test career, which also included six hundreds, Ashwin also played in 116 one-day internationals and 65 T20s for India.