New Delhi: Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s second highest Test wicket-taker and the team’s major match-winner at home for over a decade, announced his retirement from international cricket in Brisbane on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old cricketer issued a succinct statement prior to captain Rohit Sharma’s press conference following the rain-affected third Test, which concluded in a draw.

Characterizing the moment as deeply emotional, Ashwin remarked, “Today marks my final day as an Indian cricketer across all formats at the international level. While I believe I still possess some capability as a player, I wish to channel that into club-level cricket.”

Ashwin, recognized as India's premier bowler on home soil, faced challenges during the 0-3 defeat against New Zealand and participated in only one of the three Tests in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. He was excluded from the first Test in Perth, which India won, but was selected for the pink-ball match in Adelaide, where he recorded figures of 1/53 as the team succumbed to defeat within three days.

A quintessential modern spinner, Ashwin established his reputation during a time when white-ball cricket has taken precedence. After making significant contributions in the Indian Premier League, he swiftly ascended to the national team and was part of the triumphant 2011 ODI World Cup squad under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.

Throughout his career, Ashwin claimed 537 wickets at an average of 24 across 106 Tests, placing him second only to Anil Kumble, who took 619 wickets.

Following Ashwin’s announcement, Rohit Sharma commended the bowler for his invaluable contributions to the Indian team over the years. He noted, without delving into specifics, that discussions with the team management regarding future strategies also played a role in Ashwin's decision.

India opted for young off-spinner Washington Sundar for the Perth Test and selected all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the Brisbane match. There remains uncertainty regarding Ashwin's participation in the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.

“Certain decisions are deeply personal and should not be questioned. Ashwin has the right to make this choice, and we, as his teammates, fully support his reasoning. He was quite resolute in this decision,” Rohit stated.

“I became aware of this when I arrived in Perth. This has been on his mind since then. He comprehends the team's perspective and the types of combinations we are considering.”

He is among the genuine match-winners that India has ever produced, and his achievements are a testament to his exceptional talent. 

Ashwin will depart from the squad and head home on Thursday.

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