Indian cricket stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade. The veteran spinner, known for his tactical brilliance and relentless consistency, shared his heartfelt sentiments during an emotional farewell address after the conclusion of the Gabba Test against Australia.
Ashwin, who has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket, expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their unwavering support throughout his journey. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged the profound memories and camaraderie he shared with teammates like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara.
“This would be my last day at the international level”: R. Ashwin
In his statement, Ashwin said: “There’s a bit left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to exploit it at the domestic and club-level cricket, but this would be the last day at the international level. I have had a lot of fun, a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates. We’ve lost some of them over the last few years, we’ve been the last bunch of OGs I can say that are left out in the dressing room.
Ashwin took a moment to highlight the role of his close teammates and their contributions to his success. He fondly mentioned the countless catches taken around the bat by players like Rohit, which contributed significantly to his impressive wicket tally.
“I can mark this as my last day in the dressing room. I have several people to thank, but I would be failing in my duties if I didn’t thank the BCCI and my teammates. I want to name a few of them, all the coaches who’ve been part of the journey, most importantly Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, Pujara, who have taken a number of catches around the bat and have given men a number of wickets that I’ve managed over a number of years,” he added.
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Ashwin’s gratitude towards the opposition
The off-spinner also extended his thanks to the Australian cricket team, acknowledging the fierce yet respectful rivalry shared over the years.
“Also want to thank the Australian team who’ve been fierce competitors over a number of years, I’ve enjoyed my team playing against them. It’s already getting long, I wouldn’t be taking any questions, truly emotional moments and I’m not in a position to answer any questions in the right manner,” he remarked.
Ashwin’s farewell was not only a reflection of his on-field achievements but also a nod to the cricketing fraternity. Addressing journalists, he acknowledged the dynamic relationship shared with the media over the years.
“Once again, thanks for being the journalists you’ve been, for writing good things, and some nasty things at times. It’s a relationship I think we’ll maintain forever and I hope you give the other cricketers the same amount of love that you showered upon me,” the Chennai-lad said.
While Ashwin’s international cricket journey has come to an end, he assured fans that his association with the game would continue.
“I’ve stopped as a cricketer, but I’ll go on and be involved with the game, it’s a game which has given me a lot,” he concluded.
Ashwin’s retirement leaves a void in Indian cricket, but his legacy as one of the greatest spinners in the history of the game remains intact.
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