Ravichandran Ashwin during the press meet post the match announced that he will be retiring from International cricket on 18 December 2024. This statement has made the fans go mad. This announcement came to immediate effect in between the ongoing Test with Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.
A Stellar Career
Ashwin’s cricket career is very remarkable. He is known for his test matches. Debuting in 2011, he established himself as a prominent figure, especially in test matches. He has taken 537 wickets out of the 106 test matches he has played. This is a milestone since he is the second-highest wicket-taker in the test matches after Anil Kumble.
His achievements
In terms of the number of Innings, Ashwin became the fastest bowler to take 300 Test Wickets.
Ashwin has scored 3,000 runs, 6 centuries, and has taken the fastest 500 test wickets of all the test matches he played. Only a handful of players were able to make 3,000 runs.
He has received player of the series 11 times in his International cricket career.
The Retirement Announcement
Ashwin came with Rohit Sharma yesterday during the post match press meet, he announced himself retiring from International cricket. He clarified to the media that he will limit himself to club cricket and his desire to spend quality time with family.
Ashwin said that he is going to remain grateful for the love and support he received from his fans and will surely treasure the memories he had on the field. Also he added it was a quite wonderful journey but the time has come for him to move on in life.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
With this announcement, the entire cricket team is in a buzz.
Virat Kohli: Former Indian Cricket Captain, Virat recalled the 14 years of his friendship with Ashwin and then appreciated his immense contribution to the Indian cricket team.
Gautam Gambhir: "It's been an honor to watch you evolve and lead." says Gautham who was the coach who witnessed the successful journey of Ashwin.
Harbhajan Singh: Harbhajan, the former India spinner lauded him and said "Your journey has been inspiring."
Speculations and Controversies
People think Ashwin’s retirement might be:
Selection Decisions: Border-Gavaskar Trophy, match was a disaster in selection. Ashwin’s retirement may be linked with this selection decision where he was made benched during the opener in Perth.
Contradictory Statements: Many say it was a sudden decision while others say that it was contemplated before the series itself.
Future Endeavours
Ashwin has also assured that he will surely represent Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League (IPL) and will continue to play in club cricket. He further added he will be involved in cricket either as a coach or media or in administration.
Conclusion
Ashwin’s retirement is a big deal and it has made an impact on the cricket world. His achievements and his legacy will continue to reach millions of people and inspire the future cricket enthusiast worldwide.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: PTI
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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