Legendary Spinner R Ashwin Announces Retirement From International Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's greatest cricketers, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. The decision came on December 18, following the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane. At 38, Ashwin leaves behind an illustrious 14-year career, ranking fifth and third on the ICC Test rankings for bowlers and allrounders, respectively, at the time of his retirement.

A Record-Breaking Journey

Ashwin's name is etched in Indian cricketing history as the second-highest wicket-taker for the country in Test matches, trailing only behind the legendary Anil Kumble. Across 106 Tests, Ashwin scalped 537 wickets, placing him seventh on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers. He holds the distinction of being the fastest bowler to reach milestones of 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets—a testament to his consistency and brilliance.

He also claimed 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, tying with Shane Warne for the second-most in history, and stands only behind Muttiah Muralitharan’s staggering tally of 67. Notably, Ashwin is the record-holder for dismissing the most left-handed batsmen in Test cricket—a staggering 268 times.

A Multi-Dimensional Cricketer

While primarily recognized for his bowling, Ashwin was no less formidable with the bat. Lower down the order, he amassed 3503 runs in Test cricket, including six centuries and 14 fifties. His unique ability to deliver with both bat and ball is evident from his Indian record of scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match on four occasions. Globally, he ranks just behind England's Ian Botham, who achieved this feat five times.

Ashwin also holds the rare distinction of being one of only three allrounders in Test history to score more than 3000 runs and take 500 wickets. He was awarded the Man of the Series honor 11 times in Test cricket, matching Muttiah Muralitharan’s record, with India emerging victorious on all these occasions.

Reflecting on His Career

In a heartfelt press conference alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Ashwin spoke about his decision to step away from the international stage.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin shared. “I feel there’s still a bit of cricket left in me, but I’d like to showcase that in clubs or domestic leagues. I’ve had a lot of fun and created many memories alongside teammates like Rohit, Virat [Kohli], Ajinkya [Rahane], and Pujara.”

He also expressed gratitude toward the BCCI, his coaches, and even his fiercest rivals. “A big thank you to the Australian cricket team for being such fierce competitors. I’ve always enjoyed playing against them,” he added.

Beyond Tests: A Career in White-Ball Cricket

Ashwin's contributions were not limited to Test cricket. A key member of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squads, Ashwin played 116 ODIs, bagging 156 wickets at an economy of 4.93. He also contributed 707 runs in the 50-over format. In T20 Internationals, Ashwin represented India 65 times, taking 72 wickets and cementing his reputation as a dependable bowler in the shortest format of the game.

Recognitions and Accolades

Ashwin’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades. He received the Arjuna Award in 2015, a prestigious recognition from the Indian government for outstanding achievement in sports. The following year, after a stellar 2015-16 season, he was named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year. Additionally, he was included in the ICC Test Team of the Decade for 2011-2020.

A New Chapter Beckons

Although Ashwin has bid farewell to international cricket, he remains a sought-after name in domestic and franchise cricket. Set to return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL season after being bought for INR 9.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction, Ashwin’s legacy in the league is undeniable. Fans will also see him in action in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and other club-level tournaments, where he plans to continue his cricketing journey.

The Legacy of Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His tactical brilliance, relentless work ethic, and ability to adapt to different formats made him a cornerstone of the Indian team for over a decade. Whether it was outfoxing the best batsmen with his variations or stepping up with the bat in crucial situations, Ashwin consistently delivered when it mattered most.

As fans, we are left with countless memories—his spin magic on turning tracks, gritty partnerships with the bat, and the sheer passion he brought to the game. Ashwin’s legacy is not just about numbers but also about the impact he made on Indian cricket and the inspiration he provided to aspiring cricketers.

Farewell to a Legend

Ashwin’s announcement might have left a void in the hearts of cricket fans, but it also offers a moment to celebrate his contributions to the sport. From his debut against West Indies in 2011 to his final Test in Brisbane, Ashwin has been a true servant of the game. As he takes his final bow on the international stage, one thing is certain: cricket will miss Ravichandran Ashwin, but his legacy will live on forever.

Here’s wishing Ashwin all the best as he begins a new innings off the international stage, taking with him the love, respect, and admiration of millions of fans around the world.