Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket, Concluding Glorious Career
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Brisbane, 18th December 2024: Ravichandran Ashwin, celebrated as one of India’s finest spinners, has announced his retirement from international cricket, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. Since his international debut in 2010, Ashwin has participated in 287 matches across formats, taking a remarkable 765 wickets. His consistent performances positioned him as a worthy successor to legendary spinners like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
Ashwin’s rise to international cricket was fuelled by his stellar performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, notably with the Chennai Super Kings under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership. He made his ODI debut in June 2010 against Sri Lanka, followed by his T20I debut later that year. His Test career began in 2011 during a series against the West Indies, with cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar presenting him his cap. Over time, Ashwin became a key player for India, contributing to significant victories, including the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He also played a vital role in India’s successes in the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups.
Ashwin’s career is filled with numerous honours and records. He received the Polly Umrigar Award in 2012-13 and the Arjuna Award in 2015. In 2016, he was named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year. Known for setting records, Ashwin became the fastest player to achieve milestones like 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets. With 383 Test wickets on Indian soil, he holds the record for the most dismissals in home Tests. He is also one of only three all-rounders to surpass 3,000 runs and 500 wickets in Test cricket.
Ashwin’s versatility was evident throughout his career. He scored over 4,300 runs across formats, including a Test high score of 124, and claimed 537 Test wickets in 106 matches. In ODIs, he scored 707 runs and took 156 wickets in 116 matches, while in T20Is, he claimed 72 wickets in 65 games. The year 2016 was particularly notable, as Ashwin recorded 97 wickets and scored 659 runs in 31 matches, earning widespread acclaim.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Ashwin ventured into off-field pursuits, gaining popularity through his YouTube channel. His “Kutti Stories” series, which offered insights into cricketing moments like India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2020-21, highlighted his analytical skills and passion for connecting with the cricketing community.
Ashwin’s final T20I appearance was in November 2022 against England; his last ODI was in October 2023 against Australia, and his final Test took place in December 2024, also against Australia. As of his retirement, his net worth is estimated at ₹130 crore, and he remained a Grade A contracted player with the BCCI, earning an annual salary of ₹5 crore. His enduring value was evident when the Chennai Super Kings acquired him for ₹9.75 crore during the current IPL mega auction. Ashwin’s illustrious career and contributions have left a lasting impact on Indian and global cricket.
