Ravichandran Ashwin declared his retirement from all forms of International cricket. Speaking at the press conference with skipper Rohit Sharma at the Gabba in Brisbane, the veteran star acknowledged the decision and declared it to be his final day as an Indian cricket player. Following a tie in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin made his announcement. On Thursday, December 19, captain Rohit Sharma announced that R Ashwin would return to India and not be joining the team for the rest of the series.
Ashwin receives guard of honour
After the match was called off a draw, Team India walked out and gave guard of honour to legendary Ravichandran Ashwin. As the veteran all-rounder walked out, he even huggd the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The video of whole moment is now going viral at a rapid pace.
Ashwin on retirement
"This will be my last day as an Indian cricket in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me in a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I've created a lot of memories alongside Rohitt and several of my teammates," Ashwin said at the press conference.
"Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank. But, I would be failing in my duty if I didn't thank the BCCI and the rest of the teammates. I want to name a few of them and all the coaches -- Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya and Pujara who have taken all those catches in the slips to help me get those wickets. Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team. They have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed playing alongside them. I won't be taking any questions, but certainly, it's a very emotional moment," he added.
During a rain break on Wednesday, he was spotted hugging former captain Virat Kohli in the Gabba dressing room, sparking rumours that he was retiring. There were rumours on social media when Ashwin and Kohli had a heated conversation in the dressing room. Just after the third Test finished in a tie, Ashwin confirmed the call, ensuring the suspicions did not persist for long.
Ashwin who will go down in history as one of the greatest all-rounders to don the Indian jersey has 765 International wickets and is the second-highest wicket-taker for India at the biggest level after Anil Kumble. Ashwin has 537 Test, 156 ODIs, and 72 T20I wickets to his name.
He has also amassed 4394 runs while batting which also include 6 centuries and 15 fifties. This is just a mere representation of what Ashwin has achieved in the game. His contribution to the Indian team will always be remembered and something that can never be replaced.
