Ashwin’s announcement came after the third test between India and Australia in Brisbane ended in a draw.
Ashwin finishes his international career as the second highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets). He will continue to play club cricket.
“I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer,” Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test here in a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma during which he declined to take any questions and left after making the announcement.
The 38-year-old played the day-night Test in Adelaide and picked up one wicket. Ashwin made his international debut in 2010 in a ODI game against Sri Lanka at Harare.
As Ashwin called his time from international cricket, tributes started to pour in as people took to social media platforms to express their gratitude and admiration for the legendary cricket!
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A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation ????????The ace spinner and #TeamIndia‘s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024
Just leaving one stat here:
Most Player of the Series awards in Tests
R Ashwin – 11 in 44 series
Muttiah Muralidharan – 11 in 61 series pic.twitter.com/r9zIQmrpt1— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) December 18, 2024
a GOAT retires
Well done on what’s been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. @ashwinravi99Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends ❤️#INDvAUS #ashwin#legend
— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 18, 2024
Respect to R Ashwin for announcing his retirement as soon as he realised his time was up. Washington is ready to step into his place and the it is the perfect moment to bid goodbye. 537 Test wickets at 24 and 3503 runs at nearly 26 in Tests is a magnificent body of work #AUSvIND
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) December 18, 2024
One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions @ashwinravi99 and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you. pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2024
Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 18, 2024
I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024
Mitchell Starc reflects on Ravi Ashwin’s career after he announced his retirement today ????#AUSvIND #BorderGavaskarTrophy https://t.co/KGdNWIjWhC pic.twitter.com/KRQUgcMFES
— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) December 18, 2024
Hey Ash, congratulations on a magnificent career, old boy. You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft. God bless. @ashwinravi99 @BCCI @ICC #Ashwin #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/ZLelKjmEdu
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 18, 2024
One of @bcci’s greatest match-winners – a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of @ashwinravi99, wishing you the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/6RKbiG8jsw
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 18, 2024
First Published: Dec 18, 2024 12:14 PM IST