Indian cricket star announces snap retirement after Gabba Test

One of India’s greatest ever players has announced his retirement immediately after the Gabba Test, taking cricket legends by surprise.

Matthew Sullivan

2 min read

December 18, 2024 - 7:09PM

India’s Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket effective immediately.

The veteran offspinner revealed the news alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the post-game press conference after the third Test at the Gabba ended in a draw on Wednesday afternoon.

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“I’d rather not make this about myself,” Ashwin begun.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at international level.

“I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase it in club level cricket.

“I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve made a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several other teammates, even though we’ve lost some of them over the last few years.

Watch Ravi Ashwin’s retirement announcement in the video above

Ravi Ashwin announces his retirement from international cricket. Photo: Fox Cricket.

“We are the last ‘OGs’ left in the dressing room.

“I’d like to thank the BCCI and my fellow teammates.”

Ashwin thanked “Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, Pujara — taking those catches around the bat to give me the number of wickets I’ve managed to get over the years”.

He added: “Also, big thanks to the Australian cricket team who have been very fierce competitors. I’ve enjoyed my time playing against them.”

Ashwin described it as a “very emotional moment” and said he wouldn’t be taking questions.

Ravi Ashwin is embraced in the Indian dressing room. Photo: Fox Cricket.

Rohit said: “Some decisions are very personal and I don’t think too many questions should be asked or raised.

“Somebody like Ashwin who’s been there for us for so many years is allowed to make those kinds of decisions on his own and we as teammates have to respect it.

“He was very sure about what he wanted to do. The team has complete backing of his thought process.

“Ash was very, very sure about this decision.”

Virat Kohli wrote in a tribute on social media: “I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me.”

Thanks @ashwinravi99 .. Have loved watching you play for India .. ðŸ‘
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 18, 2024

Must admit to being a bit emotional today. #Ashwin
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2024

Shocked to see Indian great Ravichandran Ashwin retire mid-series, huge boost for Australia to not have to face him in MCG and SCG plus his lower-order batting has been very solid over the years. Big loss. #AUSvIND
— Roy Ward (@rpjward) December 18, 2024

Ashwin was left out of the series opener in Perth, with Washington Sundar selected as the spinning all-rounder.

He played in the second Test in Adelaide but struggled to make an impact on the pace friendly pitch, replaced by fellow veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja at the Gabba.

The 38-year-old retires with 537 Test wickets to his name from 106 matches at an average of 24.00.

Ashwin is seventh on the list of all-time Test wicket takers and the second Indian bowler behind legspinner Anil Kumble, who took 619 scalps.

He also scored six Test centuries and terrorised Australia’s batters on countless occasions and is a key reason why the Aussies haven’t held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15.