Ravichandran Ashwin Ends International Career on a High Note
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's finest cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 38. The veteran spinner took the decision after the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane on December 18, thus ending a glittering 14-year career.
Ashwin departs the game as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with an incredible 537 wickets in 106 matches. His 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests put him equal second in history, just behind Muttiah Muralitharan's extraordinary 67. He was particularly known for his mastery against left-handers and held the record for 268 scalps against them in Tests.
Ashwin had 765 wickets from 287 international matches, with second-best figures in India for any bowler behind only Anil Kumble's 956 wickets. In the overall world rankings, he has ended at number 11, so one could say Ashwin's razor-sharp cricketing mind and wizardry with the ball mark him out as one of the best spinners to ever have played the game.
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Second-Highest Wicket-Taker for India | 537 wickets in Tests, ranking 2nd for India and 7th globally. |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 37 five-wicket hauls, tied for 2nd with Shane Warne; trails Muttiah Muralitharan (67). |
| Left-Handers Dismissed | Record for dismissing the most left-handers in Test cricket (268). |
| Player of the Series Awards | Joint-most POTS awards in Test history (11), shared with Muttiah Muralitharan. |
| Strike Rate | Best strike rate for a spinner in Test cricket (minimum 200 wickets) at 50.7. |
| All-Round Feats | Scored a century and took a five-wicket haul in the same Test match 4 times (2nd only to Ian Botham). |
| Unbeatable at Home | Has never missed a Test match on Indian soil. |
Ashwin's Dominance in the World Test Championship
Ravichandran Ashwin was the man behind India's success in the World Test Championship. He is the first bowler to take 100 wickets in the tournament and is the top wicket-taker with 195 wickets in 41 matches. Nathan Lyon of Australia is his closest competitor with 190 wickets.
Ashwin is a bowling star but has made his mark with the bat as well. He has scored 3503 runs in Test cricket, with six centuries and 14 half-centuries. He is among only 11 all-rounders in history to achieve the rare feat of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket.
Not so for that though. He is part of many firsts with Muttiah Muralitharan holding the record of winning the most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket that he did 11. Ashwin was part of the winning Indian teams in both big wins by India at the ICC and played his share in the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy triumphs. Ashwin was magnificent in both of these forms of limited-over cricket but was sensational in Tests.
Ashwin’s IPL Journey: From Standout Performer to CSK's Star
It all began here with Ashwin in the IPL through his outstanding performances with CSK under the leadership of MS Dhoni. He found his niche when the match would be reached at a decisive stage, most notably during the Powerplay overs, to become the key player for CSK's title-winning campaigns.
Even after he retired from international cricket, Ashwin continues his journey with the Indian Premier League. He would return to CSK in the 2025 season after being sold by CSK in the recently held mega-auction.
Ashwin's Legacy: A Modern Great and Master of Spin in Indian Cricket
Ashwin has been nearly unstoppable on Indian soil. In Tests, he had claimed 383 wickets at a spectacular average of 21.57. He is virtually unstoppable in India on turning tracks. However, there has been considerable debate about his record overseas, though some brilliant knocks have ensured his standing among the best bowlers.
It has been the end of a great era for Indian cricket with Ashwin's retirement. His exceptional records and major contributions to Indian cricket assure a place for him among the greatest spinners in history. As fans bid their farewells to Ashwin on the international stage, they can still look forward to seeing his magic unfold on the IPL stage, where the legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
SEE ALSO: Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Sudden Retirement During Post-Match Conference