Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s finest cricketers, has officially retired from international cricket, marking the conclusion of a legendary career in all three formats: ODI, Test, and T20I. The announcement came after a series of speculations, sparked by a viral emotional hug shared between Ashwin and Virat Kohli during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Ashwin’s Stellar Career:
Ashwin’s journey in international cricket is nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a quick summary of his achievements across formats:
Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls | Runs Scored | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 106 | 537 | 24.01 | 7/59 | 37 | 3503 | 26.00 |
| ODI | 116 | 156 | 33.21 | 4/25 | 0 | 707 | 16.00 |
| T20I | 65 | 72 | 23.22 | 4/8 | 0 | 184 | 26.00 |
Highlights of Ashwin’s Career
- Test Cricket: Known for his remarkable off-spin bowling, Ashwin is the fastest Indian bowler to reach multiple milestones in Test cricket, including 50, 100, and 450 wickets.
- ODI and T20I: Though primarily recognized for his Test performances, Ashwin has delivered consistent performances in limited-overs cricket. He was instrumental in India’s campaigns in major ICC tournaments.
- Unique Records: Ashwin remains the only Indian to score a century and take a 5-wicket haul in the same Test match twice.
The Viral Hug That Sparked Rumors
During the rain-affected third Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Ashwin and Kohli shared an emotional moment. Fans speculated about Ashwin’s potential retirement after spotting coach Gautam Gambhir in the background, intensifying the rumors.
Ravichandran Ashwin's emotional moment in the dressing room
— Uc Cricket (@uccricketlive) December 18, 2024
– Two greats of Indian cricket hugging during Gabba Test.#uccricket #GabbaTest #TestCricket #ashwin pic.twitter.com/xlF1nKXvvl
Ashwin’s Legacy
Ashwin’s career is a testament to brilliance, adaptability, and innovation. Known for his carrom balls and strategic thinking, he is regarded as one of the most intelligent bowlers of his era. Beyond bowling, Ashwin evolved into a dependable lower-order batter.
A Message for Fans
Ashwin thanked fans and teammates in a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support throughout his journey. He emphasized his love for cricket and hinted at contributing to the game in other roles.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His contributions across all formats have left an indelible mark on the sport. Fans will remember him as a true legend, and his achievements will continue to inspire generations of cricketers.
