Ravichandran Ashwin retires from international cricket, finishes 2nd to Anil Kumble for most Test wickets among Indians

Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket after India's draw against Australia in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Ashwin's retirement announcement was on the cards when visuals of Virat Kohli hugging the off-spinner went viral on social media.

The 38-year-old made it official when he accompanied captain Rohit Sharma in the post match press conference. “This is my last day as international cricketer. I have created a lot of memories. We are the last bunch of OGs in the dressing room. Lot of people to thank, BCCI, my fellow teammates, all the coaches,” Ashwin said.

Ashwin's retirement comes in the middle of the BGT 2024-25. With the series locked at 1-1 after the first three Tests, India need to win the remaining two if they want to have a crack in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive time.

As far as Ashwin is concerned, the premier off-spinner played just one game in the ongoing series in Adelaide, which the hosts won by 10 wickets. In the second Test, which was played in pink ball, Ashwin just got one wicket and scored 22 and 7 in both innings.

Watch Virat Kohli hugs Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin's overall stats in international cricket 

Arguably one of the greatest spinners of all time, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy and finishes second after legendary Anil Kumble in the list of most Test wickets by an Indian. Overall, Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is for India, taking 765 wickets.

Not to forget, Ashwin, who made his Test debut in 2011, finishes with 37 five-wicket hauls in the longest format and bows out as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Tests and is the highest-taking bowler among off-spinners in Tests at the moment.

Reacting to Ashwin's decision, Rohit said some decisions are personal. "He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants, said the Indian captain.

Besides being the bowler he was, Ashwin's has scored a few memorable centuries too in whites. He has 3503 runs and six Test centuries to his name. 

Ashwin will be next seen donning the Chennai Super Kings colours in IPL 2025 after being bought by the five-time champions in the mega auction that took place in Saudi Arabia last month. Ashwin was released by Rajasthan Royals in October.