itstargetnews
The move shocked the cricketing world Ravichandran Ashwinone of India’s most famous cricketers, Announces retirement from international cricket December 18th. The timing of this decision during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia has surprised everyone.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s shocking retirement: Legend bids farewell
Ashwin’s illustrious career spanned 106 Test matches, during which he took 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.01 and made a huge contribution with the bat, scoring runs 3503 runs, including 6 hundreds and 14 fifties. His dual contribution as a bowler and batsman made him a mainstay of the Indian Test team and his sudden exit left fans and cricket pundits with mixed emotions.
The first sign of Ashwin’s retirement came on the fifth day of the Gabba Test. He was seen hugging Virat Kohli in an emotional moment In the locker room. Speculation intensified when he joined Rohit Sharma At the post-game press conference, he officially announced his retirement and left the field. While the timing caught many off guard, Ashwin’s decision seemed to be well thought out. He will return to India on Thursday, concluding a career that left an indelible mark on the sport.
India’s record-breaking career comes to an abrupt end
Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket after legend Anil Kumble. Kamble’s record of 619 wickets in 132 games seemed to be within Ashwin’s grasp, but the veteran spinner chose to give up just 82 wickets short of it. Ashwin’s stellar home record is testament to his dominance in spin-friendly conditions, with 383 of his 537 wickets coming on Indian soil at an average of 21.44. However, with India’s next home Test series scheduled for August 2025, the long wait for a big opportunity on a familiar pitch may have influenced his decision to retire.
Ashwin’s legacy goes far beyond numbers. His tactical acumen, ability to outwit the batsmen and contributions in both batting and bowling made him one of the most all-round players of his era. While his sudden retirement has left fans hungry for more, Ashwin’s achievements will continue to inspire young cricketers to follow in his footsteps.
Also read: Cricket world reacts as Ravichandran Ashwin announces immediate retirement
3 key factors behind Ashwin’s sudden decision to retire
1. Limited overseas examination opportunities
In recent years, Ashwin has rarely played overseas Test matches and the team management often prefers to conduct intensive attacks in foreign conditions. In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin has only played the second Test in Adelaide and is not considered for the first or third matches. This pattern of reduced participation in overseas Tests may frustrate the spinner, prompting him to end his career. For most of the last few years, Ravindra Jadeja has emerged as the first-choice player for the team, not only in bowling but also in batting and fielding. Both are probably miles ahead of Ashwin.
2. The long gap before meaningful engagement
India’s upcoming Test schedule leaves little scope for Ashwin’s strengths to flourish. If the team qualifies for promotion World Test Championship (WTC) Finalsit will be arranged in England It will be followed by another series in England next June. Ashwin’s next big role in home conditions won’t be until October 2025, against west indies. Ashwin is almost a year away from being able to make a significant contribution and he may feel it is the right time to retire and explore other avenues.
3. Focus on personal and professional priorities
Ashwin, 38, may have weighed his options and decided to prioritize his personal life and other professional pursuits. He has been performing consistently for over a decade and the demands of international cricket, coupled with lengthy tours and limited rest, may have contributed to his decision to retire from the game.
With the composition of India’s Test team constantly changing, Ashwin may expect fewer opportunities even in the upcoming series. The rise of young spinners washington sundarHe got the nod ahead of Ashwin in the first game and the team’s increasing reliance on fast bowlers in overseas conditions may cast doubt on his role going forward, leading to He decided to retire while still at the top of his game.
