December 18, 2024 - One of cricket’s greats - Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket. India’s ace spinner dropped this bomb today… on the last day of the drawn Brisbane Test today and in the middle of the five-Test Border-Gavaskar series. He said it would with be immediate effect. The cricketer will leave for India tomorrow, December 19.

As soon as today’s match ended, Ashwin accompanied skipper Rohit Sharma to the press conference and addressed the media: “I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day [for India].”

This sudden announcement by the spin legend has taken the cricket world by surprise even though Sharma said: “He  was very very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants.”

Ashwin has been playing for India for the last 14 years and is India’s second most successful Test bowler with 537 wickets in 106 matches, only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets). His achievements include 37 five-wicket hauls, six centuries in the red-ball game, 14 fifties in Test cricket, one 50s in ODIs and 3503 career Test runs. He will also be remembered for being the top-ranked Test allrounder in the ICC rankings. He has played 116 ODIs with 156 wickets and 65 T20s taking 72 wickets.

The second Test of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide was the 37-year-old’s last international match. He will continue to play franchise cricket.

BCCI paid a tribute to the player on its X handle saying, “Thank you Ashwin. 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.”

Virat Kohli wrote: “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…”