Ravichandran Ashwin Disclosure on Retirement Decision: After announcing his retirement, Ravichandran Ashwin (IND vs AUS) has shared his views on this decision and said that it is a “feeling of great relief and satisfaction” for him after taking the decision to say goodbye to international cricket. India’s famous off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday revealed his decision to retire from international cricket, moments after the draw of the Brisbane Test. The Chennai-born player was given a warm welcome when he reached his residence in Chennai on Thursday, a day after announcing his retirement from international cricket.
Ashwin said on his decision to retire
“It’s emotional for a lot of people. It’s going to be emotional, maybe it hits deep, but for me it’s a huge feeling of relief and satisfaction. It’s been on my mind for a while, but it was very spontaneous. I felt it on the fourth day and got over it on the fifth day,” Ashwin said while speaking to ANI. Additionally, the 38-year-old cricketer talked about re-joining the five-time champion Chennai Super Kings franchise for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025).
Ashwin said about Chennai Super Kings team
“I’m going to play for CSK and don’t be surprised if I try to play for as long as I can. I don’t think I’m finished as a cricketer,” Ashwin said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Ashwin appeared with India captain Rohit Sharma at the post-match press conference to announce his decision. Speculations about his retirement started when he became emotional and Virat Kohli hugged him. Ashwin played 106 Tests, in which he took 537 wickets including 37 five-wicket hauls and scored 3,503 runs. His contribution to Indian cricket goes far beyond these impressive statistics.
He is the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket and the second-highest wicket-taker for India after Anil Kumble (619). In terms of taking five wickets in Test matches, he is the second highest player after Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan (67).
Ashwin played a key role in India’s dominance in Test cricket, especially during their rise to the top between 2014 and 2019. In limited overs cricket, Ashwin played 181 matches, in which he took 228 wickets. He played 116 ODIs, in which he took 156 wickets with best figures of 4/25 and scored 707 runs. In 65 T20Is, he took 72 wickets with best figures of 4/8 and scored 184 runs.
With 765 international wickets across all formats, Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Kumble (953). He was also a part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team and 2013 Champions Trophy team. Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era, and he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations.
