Brisbane witnessed a momentous occasion on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, as India's veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.

The decision came in an emotional press conference held at the Gabba, where Ashwin, alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma, declared his illustrious journey as an Indian cricketer had come to an end.

"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats of the game at the international level," Ashwin said, his voice tinged with emotion.

"I do feel there’s a bit of cricket left in me, and I hope to showcase that at the club level. I’ve had a lot of fun and created countless memories alongside Rohit and my other teammates," he added.

Ashwin’s retirement announcement followed the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which ended in a rain-affected draw.

Rohit Sharma confirmed that the 37-year-old would not continue with the team for the remainder of the series and would return to India on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

A Career for the History Books

Ravichandran Ashwin retires as one of the greatest off-spinners to grace the game, having taken a staggering 537 wickets in 106 Tests.

Debuting against the West Indies in 2011, he quickly established himself as a linchpin in India’s Test setup.

His mastery of flight, variation, and precision baffled batsmen worldwide, making him a force to be reckoned with, particularly on home soil.

A cornerstone of India’s success in Test cricket, Ashwin was renowned for his ability to deliver under pressure, whether through match-turning five-wicket hauls or crucial lower-order runs.

His six Test centuries, coupled with countless game-saving knocks, made him a dual threat on the field.

Notably, Ashwin was part of India’s triumphant 2011 ICC ODI World Cup squad, further adding to his legacy as a true team player and one of the modern greats of the game.

Tributes and Gratitude

Ashwin expressed heartfelt thanks to his teammates, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and his many supporters.

"I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t thank the BCCI and my teammates—Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara, who have taken countless catches in the slips to help me get wickets," he said.

He also extended his gratitude to the Australian cricket team, describing them as "fierce competitors" who pushed him to be at his best. "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing against them over the years," Ashwin remarked.

An Emotional Farewell

The announcement confirmed widespread speculation after Ashwin was seen sharing a warm hug with Virat Kohli in the Gabba dressing room during a rain delay.

Their animated conversation sparked rumours of Ashwin’s impending retirement, which he promptly confirmed after the match.

Choosing not to take questions from the media, Ravichandran Ashwin signed off with a simple but poignant statement: "It’s a very emotional moment."

A Glorious Legacy

Ashwin's name will forever be etched in cricketing history. His remarkable achievements in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his dominance on spinning tracks, and his all-round contributions with the bat have made him a giant of Indian cricket.

While his international career ends, Ashwin hinted that fans may still see him in action at the club level, where he hopes to continue showcasing his skills.

For now, the cricketing world bids farewell to a legend whose passion, intelligence, and artistry redefined the role of an off-spinner in modern cricket.

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