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In a move that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Ravichandran Ashwinone of the most famous Indian cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket December 18. The timing of the decision, during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, took everyone by surprise.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s shock retirement: A legend bids farewell
Ashwin’s illustrious career spanned 106 Test matches, during which he took 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.01 and contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 3,503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties. His dual contributions as a bowler and batsman made him a pillar of the Indian Test side and his sudden departure left fans and cricket pundits struggling with mixed emotions.
The first signs of Ashwin’s retirement came during the fifth day of the Gabba Test, where he was seen hugging Virat Kohli in an emotional moment in the dressing room. Speculation grew stronger when he joined Rohit Sharma at the press conference after the match, to officially announce his retirement before leaving the hall. Although the timing caught many off guard, Ashwin’s decision seems to have been well thought out. He is due to return to India on Thursday, ending a career that has left an indelible mark on the sport.
A record breaking career for India
Ashwin retires as India’s second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind only the legendary Anil Kumble. Kumble’s record of 619 wickets in 132 matches appeared to be within Ashwin’s reach, but the veteran spinner decided to fall short by just 82 wickets. Ashwin’s exceptional record at home stood as a testament to his dominance in spin-friendly conditions, with 383 of his 537 wickets on Indian soil at a phenomenal average of 21.44. However, with India’s next home Test series scheduled for August 2025, the long wait for meaningful opportunities on a familiar ground may have influenced his decision to retire.
Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond numbers. His tactical acumen, ability to outplay the batsmen and his batting and bowling contributions made him one of the most complete players of his era. While his sudden retirement left fans yearning for more, Ashwin’s achievements will continue to inspire young cricketers who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
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3 key factors behind Ashwin’s sudden retirement decision
1. Limited opportunities in foreign tests
Ashwin’s participation in Test matches abroad has been sporadic in recent years, with the team management often favoring heavy hitting in foreign conditions. In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played only the second Test in Adelaide and was not considered for the first or third matches. This pattern of reduced involvement in overseas Tests could have frustrated the spinner, prompting him to take a penalty on his career. Most of the time over the past few years, Ravindra Jadeja has emerged as the team’s favorite player, not just on the basis of bowling but also in terms of batting and fielding, both areas where Jadeja is potentially miles ahead of Ashwin.
2. Long gap before significant involvement
The upcoming Test schedule in India leaves little room for Ashwin’s strengths to shine. If the team qualified for World Test Championship (WTC) Final.will be scheduled at England next year in June, followed by another series in England. Ashwin’s next major role in domestic conditions would not come until October 2025, during a series against The West Indies. Faced with almost a year before he can contribute significantly, Ashwin may have felt this was an opportune time to retire and explore other options.
3. Focus on personal and professional priorities
At 38, Ashwin may have weighed his options and decided to prioritize his personal life and other professional pursuits. Having been consistent for over a decade, the demands of international cricket coupled with long tours and limited downtime may have contributed to his decision to retire from the game.
With the development of India’s Test squad, Ashwin may have foreseen reduced options even in the upcoming series. The rise of younger spinners in form Washington Sundarwho got the nod ahead of Ashwin in the first game, and the team’s increasing reliance on fast bowlers in overseas conditions could have cast doubt on his role going forward, leading to his decision to retire while he was still at the top of his game.
