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In a move that shocked the cricket world, Ravichandran Ashwinone of the most famous cricketers in India, announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18. The timing of the decision, during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, took everyone by surprise.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s shocking retirement: a legend says goodbye
Ashwin’s illustrious career spanned 106 Test matches, during which he claimed 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.01 and contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 3,503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties. His dual contributions as a bowler and batsman made him a mainstay of the Indian Test team, and his sudden exit has left fans and cricket experts grappling with mixed emotions.
The first signs of Ashwin’s retirement emerged during the fifth day of the Gabba Test, where was seen hugging Virat Kohli in an emotional moment. in the dressing room. Speculation grew stronger when he joined Rohit Sharma at the post-match press conference, only to officially announce his retirement before leaving the venue. While the moment took many by surprise, it seems Ashwin’s decision was well considered. He is scheduled to return to India on Thursday, ending a career that leaves an indelible mark on the sport.
A record run for India cut short
Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, only behind the legendary Anil Kumble. Kumble’s record of 619 wickets in 132 matches appeared to be within reach of Ashwin, but the veteran spinner decided to pull away just 82 wickets away. Ashwin’s exceptional home record was a testament to his dominance in spin-friendly conditions, with 383 of his 537 wickets coming on Indian soil at a phenomenal average of 21.44. However, with India’s next home Test series scheduled for August 2025, the long wait for big opportunities on familiar ground may have influenced his decision to retire.
Ashwin leaves a legacy that goes far beyond numbers. His tactical acumen, his ability to outpace batsmen and his contributions in both batting and bowling made him one of the most complete players of his era. While his sudden retirement has left fans yearning for more, Ashwin’s achievements will continue to inspire young cricketers who wish to follow in his footsteps.
Also READ: Cricket world reacts as Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement with immediate effect
3 key factors behind Ashwin’s sudden retirement decision
1. Limited overseas testing opportunities.
Ashwin’s participation in overseas Test matches has been sporadic in recent years, with the team management often favoring intense attacks in foreign conditions. In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played only the second Test in Adelaide and was not considered for the first or third match. This pattern of reduced participation in overseas Tests could have frustrated the spinner, leading him to end his career. Most of the time in the last few years, Ravindra Jadeja had become the team’s go-to player not just in bowling but also in terms of batting and fielding, both areas in which Jadeja is potentially far ahead of Ashwin.
2. A long interval before meaningful participation
India’s upcoming Test schedule leaves little room for Ashwin’s strengths to shine. If the team, qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) Finalwill be scheduled to take place in England Next year in June, followed by another series in England. Ashwin’s next major role at home would come only in October 2025, during a series against the West Indies. Facing almost a year before he could contribute significantly, Ashwin may have felt this was an appropriate time to retire and explore other avenues.
3.Focus on personal and professional priorities
At 38, Ashwin may have weighed his options and decided to prioritize his personal life and other professional pursuits. Having been a consistent performer for over a decade, the demands of international cricket, coupled with long tours and limited downtime, may have contributed to his decision to walk away from the game.
With the evolving composition of the Indian Test team, Ashwin may have anticipated reduced opportunities even in the upcoming series. The rise of younger spinners in the form of Washington Sundarwho got a nod ahead of Ashwin in the first game, and the team’s increasing reliance on fast bowlers in overseas conditions may have raised questions about his role going forward, leading to his decision to retire while he was still at the top of his game.
