In an emotional turn of events at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket during the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test. The announcement came with the series delicately poised at 1-1, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket.
Legacy in Numbers: A Statistical Marvel
Ashwin’s departure from international cricket leaves behind a remarkable statistical legacy. Over his illustrious 14-year career, he claimed 537 Test wickets in 106 matches, securing his position as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker. His mastery of spin bowling is reflected in his 37 Test five-wicket hauls, a feat surpassed only by Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralidaran’s 67.
World Test Championship Dominance
The Tamil Nadu spinner’s impact on the World Test Championship has been unprecedented. As the first bowler to reach 100 WTC wickets, Ashwin currently holds the record for most wickets in the championship with 195 scalps from 41 matches, leading Australia’s Nathan Lyon who stands at 190 wickets.
Multi-Format Success
Across his international career spanning 287 matches since 2010, Ashwin accumulated 765 wickets across all formats. This impressive tally places him second among Indian bowlers, behind only Anil Kumble’s 956 wickets, and eleventh in the global rankings. His contributions were instrumental in India’s success, including the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy victories.
Peer Recognition
Nathan Lyon, his Australian counterpart, paid tribute to Ashwin’s career before the final day’s play at the Gabba. “Nothing but respect,” Lyon stated, highlighting Ashwin’s exceptional skillset and his valuable contributions to cricket both on and off the field. Their morning conversation exemplified the mutual respect between these spin bowling titans.
Future Endeavors
While bidding farewell to international cricket, Ashwin’s cricketing journey continues in franchise cricket. The veteran spinner recently secured a homecoming with Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2025, commanding a significant price of Rs 9.75 crore at the mega auction. This move ensures that cricket fans will still have opportunities to witness his masterful spin bowling in domestic leagues.
An Emotional Farewell
The retirement announcement was marked by a poignant moment in the dressing room, where Ashwin shared a lengthy conversation with former India captain Virat Kohli during a rain break after Tea on Day 5. The emotional embrace that followed symbolized the end of a magnificent chapter in Indian cricket history.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the conclusion of a career that redefined spin bowling in modern cricket, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of cricketers to come.
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