'We're the last bunch of OGs': Ravichandran Ashwin moists the Eyes at Retirement Speech, vows to be associated with Cricket

Add as a preferred source on Google

Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement as an Indian cricketer on Wednesday (December 18).

After the conclusion of the 3rd Test in Gabba, Ashwin stunned the cricketing world by taking an abrupt end to his journey as an Indian cricketer.

The spin maestro, who is the 2nd highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps, came at the post-match media interview along with captain Rohit Sharma and gave the confirmation of his departure as an India cricketer.

Ravichandran Ashwin Retirement Speech

"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in there, but I would like to expose and probably showcase that in club-level cricket. But this will be the last day and I got a lot of fun. I must say, I created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates, even though I lost some of them over the last few years. We are the last bunch OGs, if we can say that, left out in the dressing room," Ashwin said in his retirement speech.

The India star thanked the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for being an astute member of the Indian team. Ashwin also went on to thank all the coaches who have been part of his journey.

"And I'd be marking this as my date of having played at this level. Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank, but I would be failing my duties if I did not thank BCCI and my teammates. All of the coaches who have been part of the journey. Most importantly, Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, Pujara - who took those splendid catches around the back to give me the number of wickets I have managed to get over the years," he added.

"Also, a big thank you to the Australian cricket team who have been very fierce competitors. I enjoyed my time playing against them. I wouldn't be taking any questions, truly a very emotional moment. I don't think I am in a position where I will be answering the questions in the right way. So please pardon me for that," he continued.

Ashwin also had a courtesy message for the journalists and at the stage, he confirmed that he would be associated with cricket.

"Thanks for being the journalists that you have been writing good things, And of course, asking things on occasion. That's a relationship I think we would maintain forever. And I hope for cricketers to come in the future, but also get the same amount of love that you have given them. Once again, thank you all. And, as a cricketer I have just stopped it. I might go on to be involved with the game because it has given me everything," Ashwin concluded.

India captain Rohit Sharma also confirmed that Ashwin will be leaving Australia and heading for Chennai on Thursday (December 19). As the Test series is poised 1-1, the 4th match of the series will be in Melbourne from December 26.