India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of the Brisbane Test against Australia. The 38-year-old made the announcement alongside Indian skipper Rohit Sharma at the post-match press conference, leaving the cricketing world in disbelief. Rohit described Ashwin as one of India’s greatest “match-winners” and shared insights into the veteran’s decision.
Ashwin Bids Farewell After a Stellar Career
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious career where he became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, claiming 537 scalps. In total, across all formats, he picked up 765 wickets. His contributions to Indian cricket, especially in Test matches at home, have cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s legends.
Rohit Sharma Reveals Ashwin’s Thought Process
Rohit revealed that he first learned about Ashwin’s decision upon arriving in Perth. “Ash was very sure about his decision. I heard about it when I came to Perth. Obviously, I wasn’t there for the first few days of the Test match, but it was clear he had made up his mind,” Rohit explained.
Rohit shared that he had to persuade Ashwin to stay on for the Adelaide pink-ball Test. “We weren’t sure about the conditions and the combination we’d go with, so we needed him to stay. I convinced him to play, and he agreed.”
The Emotional Farewell
Ashwin expressed his feelings to Rohit during the series, stating, “If I’m not needed right now, I’m better off saying goodbye.” Rohit emphasized how Ashwin’s perspective was respected by the team. “If this is what he feels, we should honor his decision and stand by him. He has earned the right to make such calls.”
A True Match-Winner
Praising Ashwin’s contributions, Rohit called him a “big match-winner.” He reminisced about their journey together since their Under-17 days, recalling Ashwin’s evolution from a batsman to a world-class spinner.
“I’ve known Ash since we were teenagers. Back then, he was an opening batsman. A few years later, I started hearing about R. Ashwin, the bowler, taking five-wicket hauls in domestic cricket. It was fascinating to see his transformation. Since then, we’ve had a long journey together, and his impact on Indian cricket has been immense,” Rohit said.
An Indispensable Figure in Indian Cricket
Rohit highlighted Ashwin’s ability to deliver during critical moments. “Whenever we faced a crisis, Ashwin was always there to step up. His records speak volumes about his contribution. He’s been a true servant of Indian cricket, leaving no stone unturned in his efforts.”
The Final Goodbye
Ashwin played just one match in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, featuring in the Adelaide pink-ball Test, where he picked up a solitary wicket. Despite a quiet end to his career, Ashwin’s legacy as a stalwart of Indian cricket remains untarnished.
With 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is to his name, Ravichandran Ashwin bows out as one of the greatest cricketers India has ever produced. His wit, intelligence, and match-winning abilities will be remembered for generations to come.
