Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement From International Cricket After IND vs AUS 3rd Test Ends In Draw

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Star Indian all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, 18th December 2024 in Brisbane.

The announcement was made after the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3rd Test between India and Australia ended in a draw.

The experienced off-spinner was spotted engaging in an extended conversation with senior batter and ex-India skipper Virat Kohli in the dressing room during a rain delay after Tea on Day 5. This heartfelt exchange concluded with an emotional hug between the two.

Ashwin brought the curtains down on a remarkable 14-year career, ending as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, with 537 dismissals in 106 matches. The 38-year-old claimed 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, a tally surpassed only by Muttiah Muralidaran's 67.

"I don't want to make it about myself. This is my last day as an international cricketer. I have created a lot of memories. We are the last bunch of OGs in the dressing room. I have a lot of people to thank... BCCI, my fellow teammates, all the coaches. This will be my last day as an India international cricketer. I will play club cricket. I had a lot of fun," Ashwin announced at the post-match press conference.

The farewell takes place midway through the India vs Australia Test series. Ashwin featured in only one match during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was included in the playing XI for the second Test in Adelaide, which Australia won by a margin of ten wickets. In that game, Ashwin managed to take just one wicket and scored 22 and 7 in his two innings.

Ashwin has represented India in 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is. Across all formats, he concluded his career with an impressive tally of 775 wickets. Emerging as a key player in 2011, Ashwin was an integral part of India's triumphs in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.