In a shocking announcement, India's ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old cricketer took to the press conference to announce the decision, stating, “I will be marking this as my date of playing at this level.” His retirement comes strategically, as India’s next home Test season is set to begin only in October 2025. Ashwin's departure marks the end of an illustrious career in the international cricket arena.
Technical Maestro With the Ball
Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest off-spinners in cricket history and a mastermind both on and off the field. Over his career spanning more than a decade, he has broken existing records and created new ones. India is renowned for producing quality spinners, and in an era where the "mystery spinner" tag is well-deserved in limited-overs cricket, Ashwin's stock ball and carrom ball stand out as unique and consistently effective.
He has been a significant force and a go-to game-changer for captains, especially in home conditions, where he has single-handedly won many matches for India. Ashwin is not only a premier Test bowler; he has also excelled in white-ball cricket. He contributed to the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup and bowled the crucial last over in the 2013 Champions Trophy final to secure victory for India. Undoubtedly, he is an all-format legend with the ball.
Ravichandran Ashwin the Bowler
Test | ODI | T20I | IPL |
537 Wickets | 156 Wickets | 72 Wickets | 180 Wickets |
- “Second Most Wickets” by the Indian Bowler in Tests (537 wickets).
- Most “Five Wickets Haul” by the Indian Bowlers in Tests (35).
- Most “Ten Wicket Haul” by the Indian Bowlers in Tests (8).
- Second Most “Player of the Match” Awards by an Indian in Tests (10).
- Fastest Ever to "50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500" Wickets in Test Cricket.
Smart ‘Batter’
Ravichandran Ashwin is not only one of the best bowlers but also a handy and smart batter who has saved India from many difficult situations. He began his career as an opening batter at the divisional level but was later encouraged by his coach to try spin bowling. As a result, he focused on developing his skills as a spinner while maintaining his batting technique. Throughout his Test career, he has scored six centuries, including a crucial one in the recent series against Bangladesh at Chepauk, where he rescued India from a potential collapse. This inning also earned him his latest Player of the Match award, fittingly at his home in Chennai.
Ravi Ashwin is known for his quirky tactics in limited-overs cricket, especially during the IPL, where he played for the Rajasthan Royals. He often batted higher up the order, playing strategic innings to help his team. Additionally, he served as the winning captain of the Dindigul Dragons in the TNPL. His numerous achievements have enriched his remarkable career.
Ravichandran Ashwin as a Batter in Test Cricket
Matches | Runs | 50/100 | Highest Score |
106 | 3503 | 14/6 | 124 |
In the end, Ravichandran Ashwin's illustrious career concludes at the iconic Gabba, with his final appearance coming in a memorable Test against Australia in Adelaide. Ravi Ashwin has, without a doubt, etched his name as one of the greatest players of all time. His exceptional records and unmatched skill will continue to speak volumes about his immense contribution to cricket. As one of the finest off-spinners the cricketing fraternity has ever witnessed, Ashwin's legacy will forever be remembered. The end of his career is not just a personal milestone but an emotional moment for the entire cricketing world, as we bid farewell to a legend whose influence will be felt for generations to come.
