Indian allrounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. He made the announcement during a sudden media briefing after the drawn Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba.
“It’s a very emotional moment,” Ashwin said. “I’ve had a lot of fun and created many memories with Rohit (captain Rohit Sharma) and my other teammates. While I do feel there’s still some cricket left in me, I’d like to channel that energy into club-level cricket.”
Since his debut in 2011, Ashwin has played 106 Tests for India, taking 537 wickets. He claimed more wickets against Australia than any other team, with 115 wickets at an average of 28.58 in 23 Tests.
“I want to extend a big thank you to the Australian cricket team, who’ve always been fierce competitors,” Ashwin said. “I’ve really enjoyed playing against them.”
Sharma mentioned that he knew about Ashwin’s intention to retire before the series began, but he managed to persuade him to play in Adelaide last week.
The 38-year-old spinner was excluded from the third Test in Brisbane, with Ravindra Jadeja replacing him in the lineup.
Sharma explained that Ashwin felt it was better to say goodbye to the team if he wasn’t needed for the series.
As a result of Ashwin’s decision, he will not be available for the final two Tests in Australia. Jadeja and Washington Sundar will be the two spinners remaining in the squad.