
The heartfelt statement shocked the cricketing world, Ravichandran AshwinOne of the finest spinners in modern cricket has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 38. The news was announced shortly after the Gabba Test, sparking nostalgia and admiration from fans and cricket legends alike.
A brilliant career is coming to an end
Ashwin’s illustrious career spanned 14 years and began when he played in ODIs against Sri Lanka June 2010. His last appearance was in the Adelaide Test against Australia December 2024. The right-arm spinner, known for his miraculous ability with the ball and keen cricketing acumen, has played 287 international matches and taken a staggering 765 wickets.
This achievement places him second in the history of Indian wicket-takers, behind the legend Anil Kumble. Of these, 537 wickets were taken in Test cricket, making him the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Ashwin’s remarkable consistency and adaptability across formats cemented his place among the greatest players in the history of cricket. The 38-year-old has a career filled with numerous records and accolades. His dominance with the ball and bat earned him widespread acclaim. He shares the record with the Sri Lankan spin legend for the most Man of the Match awards in Test cricket (11 times) Muttiya Muralitharan.
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Known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing intelligence, the Chennai lad has left an indelible mark on the game. His locker room presence, on-field leadership and ability to adapt to any situation made him a beloved figure to teammates and opponents alike.
Tributes have poured in from cricket legends, fans and former teammates, all of whom acknowledged his immense impact on the game. Other cricketers have lauded his contribution, calling him a game-changer who can turn the tide of the match with his brilliance. The World Cup winner’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest spinners will continue. As the cricketing fraternity bid farewell to this modern great, there is no doubt that the void left by his departure will be felt.
Cricket world pays tribute to R Ashwin on retirement
I’ve been playing with you for 14 years and when you told me today that you were retiring, I was a little excited and all those years playing together came to mind. I have enjoyed every bit of the journey with you Ash, your skills and contribution to winning matches for India… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024
gaming legend @ashwinravi99 I wish you all the best in the future https://t.co/M1R1SApsBp
— Josh Hazlewood (@Joshrhazlewood) December 18, 2024
Many congratulated Ashe on a memorable career. You have always been an inspiration and an example of how to make the most of your talents and achieve excellence. Having won so many games and series for India with bat and ball and great competitors, I believe your second… pic.twitter.com/Fg3k1LfBVR
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 18, 2024
Take a bow, brother Ashwin! 🏏 Your skills, keen cricketing acumen and unparalleled passion for Test cricket will forever be etched in our hearts. Thank you for the countless moments of joy and pride. I wish you all the best in your next chapter! 🙌❤️ #ashwin… pic.twitter.com/5jBuHusPn2
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 18, 2024
One of the greatest guys to ever play our game. I enjoyed our interaction @ashwinravi99 I can only wish you a happy life. What you leave behind will place you among the best and have your page in the Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2024
Absolute match winner, @ashwinravi99! Retiring as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket is certainly landmark. Combine this with his valuable batting contributions and you have one of the reliable all-rounders in the game. Well done Ash! pic.twitter.com/9UAxCNouSf
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 18, 2024
Congratulations on an incredible journey, @ashwinravi99! Standing at slip is never a dull moment when bowling, every ball feels like an opportunity waiting to happen. Wish you all the best with your next chapter! pic.twitter.com/HhBUHVPu3v
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) December 18, 2024
Happy retirement, @ashwinravi99 ❤️
A true cricketing genius and one of the sharpest minds in cricket.
Congratulations on an incredible career! 👏— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) December 18, 2024
An era is over, but the legacy lives on! 🌀 @ashwinravi99your contribution to the game is unparalleled. It’s an honor to share this space with you, brother. I wish you all the best in your next chapter! 🙌
— Umesh Yadav (@y_umesh) December 18, 2024
He wasn’t just a game winner, he was a series winner. Congratulations on a remarkable career @ashwinravi99! Will go down in history as one of the greatest figures in the game. Don’t go too far, though, cricket is richer around you. Chapter 537 24:1 exam! Champion 🙌🏻 #Australianwind pic.twitter.com/0Kx0N6NwRX
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 18, 2024
goat retired
Great career, well done. It was an honor to play with you and definitely the greatest player to ever play in Tamil Nadu. @ashwinravi99
I really like enjoying leisure time with my family and friends❤️#INDvAUS #ashwin#legend
— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 18, 2024
Thanks @ashwinravi99 ..I love watching you play for India..👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 18, 2024
Well done Ash, congratulations on starting a legendary journey! From spinning a web for the best in the world to stepping up in difficult situations, you have been a true asset to the team. Welcome to the other side! 🙌🏻 @ashwinravi99
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 18, 2024
Hey Ash, congratulations on a great career, old boy. You have been a great asset to me during my time as coach and your skills and techniques have greatly enriched the game. God bless. @ashwinravi99 @BCCI @international chamber of commerce #ashwin #honestyvsIND pic.twitter.com/ZLelKjmEdu
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 18, 2024