Ravichandran Ashwin Bids Farewell to International Cricket: An Emotional Goodbye and a Legacy of Excellence
A Storied Career Draws to a Close
In a moment that brought tears, reflections, and widespread tributes, Indian cricket’s modern-day great, Ravichandran Ashwin, announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024. The announcement came after the conclusion of the third and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Brisbane. Ashwin’s decision to retire marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket, one defined by grit, intelligence, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
During his final press conference at the Gabba, Ashwin, with his trademark calm and composed demeanor, delivered his farewell message:
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level.”
The cricketing world paused to pay homage to one of the most accomplished spinners of his era. A career that began with promise blossomed into a saga of records, milestones, and match-winning performances.
The Reactions: Heartfelt Tributes from the Cricketing Fraternity
Ashwin’s retirement evoked deep emotional responses from his teammates, opponents, and fans around the world.
- Virat Kohli, Ashwin’s longtime teammate and former captain, expressed his gratitude on social media:
“You’ve been a pillar of strength on and off the field. From the IPL days to the big international matches, your dedication has inspired us all. Thank you for everything, Ash!” - Rohit Sharma, reflecting on their shared journey since 2010, wrote:
“Had a long journey together since 2010. Your brilliance, consistency, and passion for the game have been unmatched. Wishing you all the best for the next chapter.”
The Australian team also honored Ashwin’s legacy. As he walked back to the dressing room after his final match, Australian cricketers Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins presented Ashwin with a signed Australian jersey. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden greeted Ashwin with a handshake, and match referee Ranjan Madugalle shared a warm hug with the off-spinner. The atmosphere in the Indian dressing room was emotionally charged, underscored by the poignant strains of a Tamil song playing softly in the background.
In a heartfelt speech to his teammates, Ashwin reassured them of his continued support:
“I’ll always be just a call away.”
A Legacy of Records and Milestones
Ravichandran Ashwin’s numbers tell the story of a legendary career. With 765 international wickets to his name, Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker, surpassed only by the great Anil Kumble. His tally includes:
- 537 wickets in Test cricket across 106 matches, at an impressive average of 24.
- The distinction of being the second-fastest bowler to claim 500 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in just 98 matches.
- 37 five-wicket hauls in Test innings – a record only bettered by Sri Lanka’s iconic spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.
Ashwin’s impact went beyond mere numbers. He was a bowler who thrived on intellect and adaptability, mastering conditions and variations with ease. From the carrom ball to the deceptive floater, Ashwin’s repertoire of deliveries made him a nightmare for batters, particularly on subcontinental pitches.
His journey to the 500-wicket mark was marked by sheer determination and continuous evolution. In 2016, he was honored as the ICC Cricketer of the Year, a testament to his consistency and dominance in Test cricket. Ashwin also holds the record for being the fastest bowler to 300 Test wickets, achieving this feat in just 54 Tests, surpassing the legendary Dennis Lillee.
The Early Days: From IPL Phenom to Test Mainstay
Ashwin’s rise in international cricket can be traced back to his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Picked by his home team, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in 2009, Ashwin’s ability to bowl with the new ball and his mastery of the carrom ball caught the attention of cricketing pundits. Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, he played a pivotal role in CSK’s back-to-back title wins in 2010 and 2011.
Ashwin’s success in the IPL paved the way for his entry into international cricket. He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011 and announced his arrival with a stunning performance, taking nine wickets and scoring a crucial century in the series. This debut was a precursor to a stellar career where Ashwin consistently delivered for India, particularly in home conditions.
In the early years, Ashwin formed a formidable spin duo with Pragyan Ojha and later with Ravindra Jadeja. His ability to exploit dry, dusty pitches made him India’s go-to bowler, particularly in the subcontinent. His performances in the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he picked up 29 wickets, cemented his place as India’s premier spinner.
Triumphs and Challenges: A Journey of Adaptation
Ashwin’s career was marked by periods of extraordinary success, but also challenges, particularly in overseas conditions. Early on, he struggled to find the same level of success outside the subcontinent, where pitches offered less assistance to spinners. However, Ashwin’s relentless pursuit of improvement led to significant breakthroughs.
In 2015, during India’s tour of Sri Lanka, Ashwin claimed 21 wickets, helping India secure a historic series win – their first in Sri Lanka since 1993. This performance marked a turning point, demonstrating Ashwin’s ability to adapt and succeed with the Kookaburra ball on foreign soil.
Despite his occasional struggles in overseas conditions, Ashwin remained a consistent match-winner in India. Between 2015 and 2017, he was virtually unplayable at home, picking up wickets with alarming regularity. His performances against West Indies, New Zealand, and England during this period saw him claim an astonishing 72 wickets in just 12 Tests.
A Complete Cricketer: The Batting All-Rounder
Ashwin was not just a bowler; he also made significant contributions with the bat. He scored five Test centuries, often stepping up in critical situations to rescue India. His ability to perform under pressure made him a valuable all-rounder, reminiscent of the great Indian spinners of the past like Erapalli Prasanna and Harbhajan Singh.
Notable among his batting feats was his century against England in Chennai in 2021, where he scored 106 runs on a challenging pitch and took eight wickets in the match, leading India to a crucial victory.
IPL and Beyond: The T20 Pioneer
Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket extended beyond the longest format. He was a trailblazer in T20 cricket, particularly during the early years of the IPL. After successful stints with CSK, he led Kings XI Punjab and later played for Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. In the 2025 IPL Auction, Ashwin enjoyed a homecoming as CSK secured his services once again.
Final Bow and Farewell Promise
Ashwin’s final chapter in international cricket was a fitting one. In the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he picked up 25 wickets, helping India secure yet another series victory over Australia. Although he missed out on playing in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final that year, his contributions throughout the series were pivotal.
As Ashwin leaves the international arena, his promise to his teammates lingers:
“I’ll always be just a call away.”
His departure leaves behind not just records and statistics, but a legacy of determination, intellect, and an unwavering passion for the game. Future generations will look up to Ashwin as a beacon of excellence, a cricketer who gave his all for the Indian jersey.
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