In a move that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Ravichandran Ashwinone of India’s most celebrated cricketers, 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 bids farewell
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 3503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties. His dual contributions as a bowler and batter made him a pillar of the Indian Test side, and his sudden exit has left fans and cricket pundits grappling with mixed emotions.
The first signs of Ashwin’s retirement surfaced during the fifth day of the Gabba Test, where he was seen embracing 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 timing caught many off guard, it appears Ashwin’s decision was well-considered. He is set to return to India on Thursday, bringing an end to a career that leaves an indelible mark on the sport.
A record-breaking career for India cut short
Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind only the legendary Anil Kumble. Kumble’s record of 619 wickets in 132 matches seemed within Ashwin’s grasp, but the veteran spinner chose to step away just 82 wickets short. Ashwin’s exceptional home record stood as 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 significant opportunities on familiar turf may have influenced his decision to retire.
Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond numbers. His tactical acumen, ability to outfox batters, and 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 aiming to follow in his footsteps.
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3 key factors behind Ashwin’s sudden decision of retirement
1. Limited opportunities in overseas tests
Ashwin’s participation in overseas Test matches has been sporadic in recent years, with team management often favoring seam-heavy attacks in foreign conditions. In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played only the second Test at Adelaide and was not considered for the first or third matches. This pattern of reduced involvement in overseas Tests could have frustrated the spinner, prompting him to call time on his career. Most of the time in the past couple of years, Ravindra Jadeja had been emerged as team’s preferred player not only on the basis of bowling but also in terms of bating and fielding, both areas where Jadeja is potentially miles ahead of Ashwin.
2.Lengthy gap before meaningful involvement
India’s upcoming Test schedule leaves little room for Ashwin’s strengths to shine. If the team, qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) Finalit will be scheduled to take place in England next year in June, followed by another series in England. Ashwin’s next major role in home conditions would only come in October 2025, during a series against the West Indies. Facing an almost a year before being able to contribute significantly, Ashwin may have felt this was an appropriate moment 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 lengthy tours and limited downtime, could have contributed to his decision to step away from the game.
With India’s evolving Test team composition, Ashwin may have anticipated reduced opportunities even in upcoming series. The rise of younger spinners in form of Washington Sundarwho got a nod ahead of Ashwin in the first game, and the team’s growing reliance on fast bowlers in overseas conditions may have cast doubts over his role in the future, leading to his decision to retire while still at the top of his game.
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