Well bowled Ash! Ravichandran Ashwin bids goodbye to International Cricket, announces retirement
When Virat Kohli shared an emotional hug with Ashwin after the conclusion of the third BGT test in the dressing room, it was evident that something big would occur to us. And it proved to be true as legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin immediately announced his retirement from international Cricket.
Widely regarded as one of India’s biggest match-winners, R Ashwin finished his legendary career with 765 wickets for India in international Cricket, finishing behind his idol Anil Kumble. After the Gabba test was declared a draw due to bad weather, the ace spinner joined his skipper to announce his decision in a post-match press conference. “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” announced Ashwin before leaving the press conference.
Watch the clip here-
Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
Congratulations on a brilliant career ???? pic.twitter.com/UHWAFmMwC0 — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 18, 2024
End of an era-
The 38-year-old has been instrumental in many of India’s epic wins during his international career. He along with Ravindra Jadeja formed one of the most threatening bowling pair in the history of the game. The spin twins took 587 wickets as a pair in a test match Cricket during a period of dominance where the Men in Blue remained undefeated in test Cricket in India for 12 years, before the 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand earlier this year. History will remember two icons running through a batting lineup like it was nothing.
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The Ashwin-Jadeja duo, one of the finest pairings in Test cricket history, will no longer grace the field together for India ????????????
Their partnership was a game-changer, leaving an indelible mark on the game ????#RavichandranAshwin #Tests #India… pic.twitter.com/E2nfs1rCst — Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) December 18, 2024
Ashwin carried a rich history of Indian spin bowling and reached heights like no one else did. Starting as a young off-spinner from Chennai, Ash with his magical spin bowling outsmarted stalwarts of the game, especially in India. But, due to his astronomical bowling figures, one aspect of his game often gets neglected ie. his batting. He has scored nearly 4000 test runs along with six centuries to his name. The off-spinner saved India with the bat on numerous occasions during his illustrious career.
After Washington Sundar was preferred over him in the opening test of the 2024 BGT, it was evident that he was no more a first-choice spinner for the team management. And this might have played a part in Ashwin making this bold decision mid-series. Like the gentleman that he is, even during the last phase of his career, he put the team ahead of him and that is what makes him a legend of the game.
The Indian Cricket and the Cricketing world will miss its true icon playing the game from here on. But, it is not the end for Ashwin the cricketer as he will be seen playing club-level cricket for the love of the game. The Catalyst Zone wishes Ashwin, one of India’s greatest cricketers, a happy retirement.
