'Last day as Indian cricketer': Ashwin's emotional retirement speech goes viral; fans express gratitude| WATCH

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Dec 18, 2024, 11:51 AM IST

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday shocked the cricket fraternity with his announcement to retire from international cricket with immediate effect.

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday shocked the cricket fraternity with his announcement to retire from international cricket with immediate effect. The 38-year-old made the declaration after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane, ending a stellar career spanning over a decade. Ashwin, known for his mastery in spin bowling and contributions with the bat, bid farewell to international cricket in a brief yet emotional address at the conclusion of the Test match.

Also read: Ashwin retires: Final hug with Rohit Sharma wins hearts; old video of spinner praising captain surfaces| WATCH

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Ashwin, who has played 106 Tests for India, ends his career as the country’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format with 537 wickets, behind only Anil Kumble, who leads with 619 wickets. The off-spinner also leaves behind a remarkable batting legacy, having scored 3,503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties, solidifying his place as one of cricket's premier all-rounders.

In his emotional statement after the Brisbane Test, Ashwin said, "This will be my last year as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I feel there's a little bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I'd like to express that, showcase that in club-level cricket."

"I've had a lot of fun. I have made a lot of memories alongside Rohit [Sharma] and several of my team-mates, even though we've lost some of them [to retirements] over the last few years. We're the last bunch of OGs, we can say that. I will be marking this as my date of having played at this level," he added.

"Obviously there are a lot of people to thank, but I will be failing in my duties if I didn't thank the BCCI and fellow team-mates," Ashwin further said.

WATCH: Ashwin's emotional retirement announcement

RAVI ASHWIN ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT.

- An emotional speech by Ash. 🥹❤️pic.twitter.com/ZkVoKVD0m0

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)

Ashwin’s final appearance in the ongoing Test series was in the day-night fixture in Adelaide, where he took 1 for 53. He was also a part of India’s 3-0 loss to New Zealand in their previous home series, picking up just nine wickets at an average of 41.22. With the next home season set to begin when Ashwin turns 39, his retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, expressed his support for Ashwin’s decision during the press conference. "He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants," said Rohit, who was present at the announcement. Ashwin also shared an emotional moment with fellow teammate Virat Kohli hours before stepping into the press conference.

Also read: Ashwin retires: Virat Kohli pays emotional tribute to 'legend of Indian cricket', reflects on 14-year journey

Throughout his career, Ashwin has been a consistent performer for India, earning a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, tied with Muthiah Muralidaran. His ability to innovate and outthink batsmen made him one of the most formidable spin bowlers of his generation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid tribute to Ashwin, calling him "a name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation" in their statement on X. While his international career may have come to an end, Ashwin will continue to play at the club level, where he hopes to keep showcasing his skills on the field.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡

A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏

The ace spinner and 's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.

Congratulations on a legendary career, ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA

— BCCI (@BCCI)

As the cricketing world reflects on Ashwin’s legacy, fans and teammates alike will remember him not only for his remarkable records but also for his influence on the game and his ability to continuously evolve as a cricketer.

'Thank You Ash': Cricket fraternity expresses gratitude to veteran Indian spinner

I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli)

REMEMBER THE NAME! 👑 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/obG0hOrhVu

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)

He wasn't just a match winner he was a series winner. Congratulations on a phenomenal career ! Will go down as one of the greats of the game. Don't go too far away though, cricket is richer with you. 537 Test wkts at 24.01! CHAMPION 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/0Kx0N6NwRX

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)

An absolute match-winner, ! Retiring as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket is nothing short of monumental. Combine that with his invaluable batting contributions, and you get one of the game’s solid all-rounders. Well done, Ash! pic.twitter.com/9UAxCNouSf

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)

One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you. pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)

Dear Ash,

Thank you for all the memories, you have been the most vital clog in India's decade long dominance in Test cricket, for most part of it, the first name in the Team sheet !!! pic.twitter.com/ws29dBcEM6

— House_of_Cricket (@Houseof_Cricket)

Thank you legend ❤️✊ pic.twitter.com/x02kGNklEu

— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3)

The greatest Spinner India Never Had After Ms Dhoni retirement if there was someone with that level of game awareness, it was Ash Anna in the current team

Happy retirement & Thank you for that last over champion trophy thrilling spell pic.twitter.com/4a5ORLZ5VB

— 𝑃𝑖𝑘𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑢☆•° (@11eleven_4us)

End of an era.

Thank you, Ash Anna, for the countless moments of brilliance on the field. Your skill, determination, and passion will be missed by fans worldwide. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter!

🙏 pic.twitter.com/Chysl4JBeG

— 𝙕𝙄𝙈𝘽𝙐 😎 (@Zimbu12_)

Champion Cricketer. One of the biggest match-winners for India in Tests.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)

Congratulations Ash on your spectacular Journey. You have been a great ambassador for and wishing you all the very best for all future endeavours

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath)

Thank you for all the memories Ash Anna 🫡 pic.twitter.com/w0Y4zD8RI1

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket)

RAVI ASHWIN HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT FROM TEST CRICKET. 🥹

- Thank you for everything, Ash. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hG3mlLW3rn

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)

Nahh this can't be true. Ash Anna there is still lots of cricket in you. Pls don't retire 🥺 We gonna miss you so much.♥️

THANK YOU ASHWIN! pic.twitter.com/Z199LGbaMI

— Riya Agrahari (@Riyaagrahari8)

Thank you, Ash. 🙏

A master of the craft. 💙 pic.twitter.com/LUsjVPahan

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans)

Thank you, Ash! for all the wonderful memories and brilliance. pic.twitter.com/rb2u5OY7ps

— Chetan Sharma (@chetansharma)

From the spin tracks of Anbuden ✨
to the great gallery of the game! 🏟️

THANK YOU, ASHWIN! 🦁 🦁💛

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)

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