Ravichandran Ashwin will not represent India in the final two Test matches of the series, which are set to be played at MCG and SCG as he has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. In the Gabba Test, which ended in a draw, Ashwin was left out of India's starting lineup. His last game for India was in Adelaide, where Australia got better off India in the pink-ball Test. Following a draw 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.
Rohit Sharma on Ravichandran Ashwin
India captain Rohit Sharma revealed that retirement was at the back of Ashwin's mind since the beginning of the series itself as he got to know about it when he came to Perth. He later also convinced the star player to play in the pink-ball Test.
"If a player has choice, he has to be given that choice. Ashwin is allowed to make those decisions. We have to respect it. He was sure about it. I heard this when I came to Perth. This was in his mind since then. I somehow convinced him to stay for the pink ball test. He felt if I am not needed, it's better to say goodbye," said Rohit Sharma in the post-match press conference.
"We have played our cricket since under 17 days. Then we disappeared. Then after a few years I heard this boy Ashwin taking fivers afters fifers for Tamil Nadu. A true matchwinner in every sense. Whenever we were in crisis, we went to Ashwin," Rohit added while talking about Ashwin.
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.
