19-Dec-2024, 01:31 PM
Ravichandran Ashwin, the celebrated Indian spinner, recently announced his retirement from international cricket after an illustrious 14-year career. His announcement came immediately following the conclusion of the third Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, which ended in a draw. This decision has left a significant mark on the cricketing community, given Ashwin’s status as one of India’s premier bowlers.
In a heartfelt statement during the post-match press conference, Ashwin expressed a “great sense of relief and satisfaction” regarding his decision to retire. He reflected on his journey, stating, “It’s truly a very emotional moment… it’s a game that’s given me everything.” Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ashwin emphasized that he still feels he has “a bit of punch left” in him as a cricketer, indicating his desire to continue playing at the club level and in franchise cricket, particularly for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Ashwin’s career statistics are remarkable; he concludes as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 wickets from 106 matches. His achievements include 37 five-wicket hauls, placing him just behind Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan. Additionally, Ashwin’s versatility is highlighted by his six Test centuries and his tenure as the top-ranked Test all-rounder at various points in his career.
The announcement came as a surprise to many, including his teammates and fans. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket, calling him one of the biggest match-winners the country has ever produced. He noted that Ashwin had been contemplating this decision for some time and that it was made with careful consideration.
Upon returning to Chennai after his retirement announcement, Ashwin received a warm welcome from family and friends who gathered to celebrate his legendary career. The atmosphere was festive, with drums and trumpets marking his arrival home.
As Ashwin steps away from international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of cricketers. His contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in Test matches and major tournaments like the World Cup, have solidified his place among the greats of the game. The cricketing world now looks forward to seeing how he continues to influence the sport in other capacities.
