Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket: It is going to be one of the greatest changes for Indian cricket: veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired from all forms of international cricket. The announcement was made on December 18, 2024, following the third Test against Australia at the Gabba, which ended in a draw.
Ashwin’s announcement was on predictable lines after he was seen having an emotional moment in the Indian dressing room, hugging former captain Virat Kohli. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) soon confirmed, saying, “Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket are immense.”
A Stellar Career
He debuted in 2011 and has been part of the core bowling attack for India for the past decade. He has over 500 Test wickets, which makes him the fastest bowler to have taken 300 wickets in Tests in terms of innings. Besides being a bowler, as an all-rounder, he made over 3000 runs in Tests with six centuries to his name.
To his name, he has the accolades of the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2016. He has made multiple entries in the ICC Test Team of the Year and has also been inducted into the ICC Test Team of the Decade for 2011-2020. The overview of his honors includes the Arjuna Award for the year 2015 from the Government of India.
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Impact and Legacy
Subclass in kind with match-winning qualities, Ashwin, well known for his tactical and outsmarting abilities against batsmen, had achieved notable contributions in several Test victories of India, especially at home. His retirement is the end of an era, leaving a massive void in the Indian bowling lineup.
More than that, the most common talk of the town inside the cricketing fraternity is that Ashwin’s achievements have already been acknowledged by the various former teammates, old opponents, and even fans trending on social media praising the career of Ashwin and wishing him well for the future.
Future Endeavours
Away from international cricket, Ashwin is likely to participate in coaching and commentary, as well as his popular YouTube channel, where he elaborates on cricket issues and interacts with fans.
But as Indian cricket proceeds further, selectors will have to look for a tough alternative to fill Ashwin’s shoes. His retirement will free up opportunities for budding spinners to showcase their prowess on the international stage.
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s transformation from a budding promise to a cricketing legend coincidentally becomes an inspiring journey for many. His legacy would not die and will surely influence many future generations of cricketers.
