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Ravichandran Ashwin Retires from International Cricket: A Remarkable Career Comes to an End
Ashwin Calls Time on a Stellar International Career
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. The announcement came shortly after the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 18. At 38 years old, Ashwin leaves the international stage as a cricketing legend, ranking fifth and third in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers and all-rounders, respectively.
An Illustrious Journey: Records and Achievements
A Legacy in Test Cricket
Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket is monumental. As the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, trailing only Anil Kumble, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. Over a 14-year career, Ashwin played 106 Test matches, with his final appearance being the day-night Test in Adelaide during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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Record-Breaking Milestones: Ashwin holds the record as the fastest bowler to reach 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets.
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Overall Test Tally: He accumulated 537 wickets, placing him seventh on the all-time list of highest wicket-takers in Test history.
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Five-Wicket Hauls: With 37 five-wicket hauls, including one on debut, he stands joint-second alongside Shane Warne and behind only Muttiah Muralitharan.
Ashwin’s prowess extended beyond bowling. He scored 3503 runs in Test cricket, including six centuries and 14 fifties. He holds the unique Indian record for achieving a century and a five-wicket haul in the same Test on four occasions, second only to Ian Botham globally.
Limited-Overs Success
A key member of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning teams, Ashwin excelled in limited-overs formats as well:
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ODIs: Played 116 matches, claiming 156 wickets at an economy rate of 4.93.
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T20Is: Represented India in 65 games, securing 72 wickets.
Ashwin’s ability to adapt across formats made him a vital asset for the Indian team during his tenure.
Emotional Farewell and Acknowledgments
Ashwin’s Press Conference Highlights
Addressing the media alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Ashwin reflected on his career and expressed gratitude to his teammates and the cricketing community.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats,” he announced. “I feel there is still some punch left in me as a cricketer, but I plan to showcase that in club-level cricket.”
He extended heartfelt thanks to:
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Teammates: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara for their camaraderie.
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Opposition Teams: Particularly the Australian cricket team for being fierce competitors.
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BCCI and Coaches: For their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Recognitions and Awards
Ashwin’s accolades include:
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The Arjuna Award in 2015.
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ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016.
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Selection in the ICC Test Team of the Decade (2011-20).
What Lies Ahead for Ashwin?
Though retiring from international cricket, Ashwin’s cricketing journey is far from over. He is set to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, having been bought for INR 9.75 crore at the mega auction. Additionally, he plans to continue participating in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and other club-level cricket tournaments.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Ashwin’s remarkable career will inspire generations to come. As one of only three players to achieve over 3000 Test runs and 500 wickets, his legacy as a cricketer is unparalleled.
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