The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wished retired off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin all the best for the future and said that his name will be synonymous with bringing mastery, magic, talent and innovation to the game. Soon after the third Test was drawn in Brisbane on Wednesday, Ashwin announced his immediate retirement from international cricket in the post-match press conference, ending his 14-year long career of playing for India across all formats.
BCCI wrote on its Since the announcement of Ashwin’s retirement, there has been a flood of people wishing the experienced spinner on the social media platform X.
…
A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏
The ace spinner and #TeamIndia‘s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
Jai Shah has also reacted.
One of @bcci‘s greatest match-winners – a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of @ashwinravi99wishing you the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/6RKbiG8jsw
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 18, 2024
India head coach Gautam Gambhir wrote on ‘X’, “The privilege of watching you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. I know that for generations to come Will tell the bowlers that I became a bowler because of Ashwin. Will miss you brother.”
The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024
Ashwin ended his career with 537 wickets in 106 Test matches at an average of 24 and became India’s second highest wicket taker after legendary leg spinner Anil Kumble. He also scored six Test centuries and 14 half-centuries with the bat. His last international match was the day-night Test in Adelaide, where he took 1-53.
Sachin Tendulkar wrote in his post on ‘X’, “Ashwin, I have always admired you for how you embraced the game with your mind and heart. From playing the carrom ball brilliantly to scoring important runs. “You always found a way to win.” Sachin further said, “It has been amazing to watch you go from being a promising talent to becoming one of India’s finest match-winners. Your journey shows that true greatness lies in never being afraid to experiment and evolve. Your legacy will live on in all our lives.” Will inspire you. Best wishes for your second innings.”
Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win.
Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been… pic.twitter.com/XawHfacaUh— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 18, 2024
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh commented, “Congratulations to Ashwin on a brilliant cricket career. Your ambition as a Test cricketer was admirable. Congratulations on being the flag bearer of Indian spin for over a decade. Very proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing more of you.”
Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 18, 2024
BCCI President Roger Binny also praised Ashwin’s brilliant international career. Binny said, “Ashwin’s talent has been the cornerstone of the success of Indian cricket over the years. From being a prodigy to becoming one of the greatest off-spinners in the history of cricket, his achievements are a matter of great pride. Redefined bowling and always tried to be ahead. Ashwin is a role model for young cricketers. I thank him for his invaluable contribution to Indian cricket.”
BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla said, “Ashwin’s journey is a testament to the heights of dedication and passion. His ability to think beyond the game has been a tremendous asset for Indian cricket. In Ashwin, we have seen a bowler who Not only the wickets he took but his batting strategies, along with his extraordinary skills, have made him one of the most respected cricketers of his generation. “
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik wrote, “A great player retires. Well done for a wonderful career. Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest player ever to play from Tamil Nadu. Lots of love and family.” And spend some relaxing moments with friends.”
a GOAT retires
Well done on what’s been an outstanding career. Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. @ashwinravi99
Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends ❤️#INDvAUS #ashwin#legend
— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 18, 2024
Former cricketer WV Raman wrote, “Well done.. ended a brilliant long spell with grace and composure. Enjoyed watching your journey and most importantly, congratulations to you for not hindering your independent spirit. Your future.” Best wishes for your travels.”
Ashwin also played 116 ODI matches for India, in which he took 156 wickets and was a member of the teams that won the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. Ashwin also played 65 T20 matches and took 72 wickets.
In Tests, Ashwin was one of the central figures in the Indian team’s 12-year-long domestic dominance and played a key role in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in Australia. Ashwin was one of the 11 all-rounders to achieve the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. He also won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, equal to Muttiah Muralitharan.
