India’s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. The announcement came after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Brisbane ended in a rain-affected draw. Ashwin, accompanied by captain Rohit Sharma, revealed his decision during the post-match press conference.
Ashwin’s exit from the game has sparked widespread reactions, with many feeling that the veteran spinner deserved a more fitting farewell. Among those voicing their disappointment is former Indian captain and cricket icon Kapil Dev, who lamented the manner of Ashwin’s retirement.
Kapil Dev: “I Would Have Sent Him Off with Respect and Happiness”
Speaking at a private event, Kapil Dev acknowledged Ashwin’s immense contributions to Indian cricket and expressed his regret over how the retirement unfolded.
“The next generation must surpass us for the world to move forward. We never imagined someone would come close to legends like Sachin Tendulkar or Sunil Gavaskar. Ashwin has now left. If I had been there, I wouldn’t have let him go like this. I would have ensured he retired with a lot of respect and happiness,” Kapil said.
A Remarkable Career Ends Quietly
Ashwin’s international career came to a bittersweet end. Despite being benched during the first Test in Perth, which India won, he was recalled for the second Test in Adelaide but could not prevent a defeat. He was subsequently dropped for the third Test, marking a subdued conclusion to one of India’s greatest Test cricket careers.
During his career, Ashwin took 537 Test wickets, making him the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the format and second among Indians, trailing only Anil Kumble’s 619 wickets. Ashwin also played a pivotal role in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy triumphs.
Ashwin’s Legacy in Numbers
The 38-year-old spinner earned numerous accolades during his illustrious career, including:
ICC Cricketer of the Year (2016)
ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year (2016)
Five appearances in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year
A place in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Decade (2011–2020)
Ashwin’s mastery on Indian turning tracks is well-documented, including his record-breaking 29 wickets against Australia in a single four-match Test series.
IPL 2025: A New Chapter with CSK
Although Ashwin has retired from international cricket, fans will still see him in action during the IPL 2025 season, where he will represent the Chennai Super Kings, having been signed during the auction in Jeddah.
Farewell to a Giant
Ashwin’s retirement has left a void in Indian cricket. While his contributions will be celebrated for years to come, the manner of his departure has raised questions about how cricketing legends are bid farewell. As Kapil Dev suggested, Ashwin’s immense impact on the game warranted a send-off filled with respect and celebration.
