Ashwin and Kohli Emotional Speak (Photo: Bcci.tv)
In a major development for Indian cricket, veteran India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 resulted in a draw. Ashwin made the announcement in the post-match press conference.
Across the first three matches, Ashwin played only one game, in Adelaide, and was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja for the Gabba clash in Brisbane. Ashwin has retired from international cricket as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 games. With the announcement, Ashwin took centre stage and talked about his journey with the Indian cricket team.
“I don’t know how to go about this honestly. I mean it’s easier to speak in the team huddle, but yeah. Even though I’m not exhibiting it. It is truly a very emotional moment for me. It feels like just now in 2011-2012 I toured here. My first Australian tour. And I saw everybody transition. Rahul Bhai, Sachin Paaji left. But trust me guys, everybody’s time comes. And today was truly my time. I’ve enjoyed it. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Built some great relationships and friendships over the last four or five years notably,” Ashwin said in a video shared by the BCCI.
Here’s the video –
this is so emotional, i can’t process it yet and this video— i m in tears 😭
thank you ash 💙 pic.twitter.com/NL5tPMcFjB
— p 💌 (@ssnoozefest) December 18, 2024
Also Read: What records does R Ashwin hold?
The cricket nut in me will never come to an end: Ashwin
Furthermore, Ashwin reflected on how even if his journey as an international cricketer has come to an end, the cricket fanatic in him will always live on forever. Talking to his teammates, he revealed that he would be looking forward to their performances as well.
“The cricketer in me as an Indian cricketer, international cricketer might have come to an end. But the cricket nut in me will never come to an end. So I will be looking forward to each one of your performances. And all the very best. If at all you guys need anything, I’m just a call away. Thank you so much once again. Thanks Rohit. Thanks Virat. Thanks Gauti bhai. I’m so happy today. Thank you,” Ashwin added.