Senior Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has officially declared his retirement from international cricket. The experienced all-rounder revealed the news in a press conference after the third Test match against Australia. An emotional video of Ashwin sharing an emotional moment with teammate Virat Kohli in the dressing room gained momentum across social media before the announcement.
Speaking on his decision, Ashwin said, "I feel proud to have represented India. This feels like the right time to step away. I have played 106 Tests, taken 537 wickets, and scored 3,503 runs in my career. I am truly happy to have been a part of Indian cricket."
Indian team captain Rohit Sharma has said that he will join the flight home on Thursday, going along with Ashwin's decision that he declared to leave the West Indies early. Rohit addressed reporters and stated that he showed tremendous service to the game by respecting Ashwin's choice to fly back to India immediately without playing in the final two Tests of the series to take time out for stronger personal life. In his glorious career, Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is for India, and scored 4,400 runs while taking 765 wickets across formats.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India paid tribute to Ashwin's remarkable career in a message. "Thank you, Ashwin. You are synonymous with excellence, innovation, and brilliance as a bowler. You have been instrumental in many of India's victories as a senior spinner. Best wishes for your future endeavors," the BCCI said in a statement.
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon wished Ashwin a happy and fulfilling career, saying he "has been an absolute pleasure to play with".
