Indian cricket stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin has decided to retire from all formats of international cricket. The announcement came shortly after the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane on December 18, marking the end of a stellar 14-year career. At 38, Ashwin leaves the field as a decorated cricketer, currently ranked fifth and third in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers and all-rounders. He is also a successful entrepreneur, having invested in the Aviator app.
A Legendary Career in Numbers
Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket have been nothing short of extraordinary:
- Second-Highest Wicket-Taker for India in Tests
- Ashwin ends his Test career with 537 wickets, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble. His tally places him seventh on the all-time list of highest wicket-takers in Test history.
- Fastest to Major Milestones
- Known for his exceptional skills, Ashwin was the quickest bowler to reach 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets. His remarkable consistency has set benchmarks for bowlers worldwide.
- Dominance Against Left-Handers
- Ashwin holds the record for dismissing the most left-handed batsmen in Test cricket—a staggering 268 victims.
- Batting Feats
- A dependable lower-order batter, Ashwin scored 3503 Test runs, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries. He holds the Indian record for scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the exact match on four occasions, a feat surpassed only by Ian Botham globally.
Emotional Farewell
Ashwin announced his retirement in a press conference alongside Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I feel there’s still some cricket left in me, but I’d like to explore it in club-level cricket. I had a lot of fun and created many memories with my teammates. We are the last bunch of OGs left in the dressing room.”
He went on to thank the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his teammates, and coaching staff, singling out Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara for their contributions to his success.
Ashwin’s Test Records and Achievements
- Five-Wicket Hauls
- Ashwin claimed 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, including one on his debut, tying with Shane Warne for the second-highest count. Only Muttiah Muralitharan, with 67, has more.
- Dual Contributions
- Alongside 500+ wickets, Ashwin joined an elite group of all-rounders with over 3000 Test runs and 500 wickets. He was named Man of the Series 11 times, a joint record with Muralitharan, with India winning every series in which he received the accolade.
Limited-Overs Contributions
Ashwin also left his mark in limited-overs cricket:
- One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- In 116 ODIs, Ashwin picked up 156 wickets at an economy rate of 4.93, alongside 707 runs with the bat. He was a key member of India’s victorious campaigns in the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.
- T20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Ashwin represented India in 65 T20Is, claiming 72 wickets and maintaining his reputation as a dependable spinner in the shortest format.
Recognition and Awards
Ashwin’s contributions were recognized globally:
- Arjuna Award (2015): For his outstanding achievements in cricket.
- ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year (2016): He also bagged the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award in the same year.
- ICC Test Team of the Decade (2011-2020): A testament to his decade-long consistency and brilliance.
Future Prospects in Domestic Cricket
Though retired from international cricket, Ashwin’s cricketing journey is far from over. He was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction and is expected to play a pivotal role in their campaign. Additionally, Ashwin will likely continue participating in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and other domestic circuits.
To read more blog: ICC Has Suspended The National Cricket League USA
Legacy of Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin’s illustrious career is a story of determination, adaptability, and excellence. As one of India’s finest bowlers and a reliable all-rounder, he redefined the role of an off-spinner in modern cricket. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will inspire generations to come.
