Spin legend R Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket

India’s star all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday announced retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The 38-year-old veteran made the announcement shortly after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw. He featured in only one of the first three Tests of the ongoing series against Australia, delivering a spell of 1 for 53 in the day-night encounter at Adelaide.

#WATCH | Brisbane, Australia: As he retires from International Cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin says "This will be my last day as an Indian Cricketer in all formats at the International level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer but I would like to showcase… https://t.co/UE1tOIN0W0 pic.twitter.com/gcABFdJCub

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2024

Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in both international and Test cricket. He made his Test debut for India against the West Indies in Delhi on November 6, 2011. Over his illustrious career, he took 537 wickets in 106 Tests. Only Anil Kumble, with 619 wickets, has dismissed more batters for India. He also scored six centuries and 14 fifties in the longest format. In addition to his Test achievements, Ashwin has played 116 ODIs and 65 T20 Internationals for India, claiming 156 and 72 wickets, respectively. Ashwin will continue to play in T20 tournaments and is set to represent the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025.