Ashwin retired from international cricket with immediate effect after the end of the Gabba Test.
The 38-year-old confirmed his decision while addressing the press conference after the end of the Gabba Test, which ended in a draw.
Ashwin then walked into the dressing room, where he shared a few emotional hugs with Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal and his former captain Virat Kohli before delivering a stirring farewell speech.
“Even though I am not exhibiting it, it’s a truly emotional moment. Honestly, it is easier to speak in the team huddle. Even though I am not exhibiting it, this is a very emotional moment. Thanks Rohit (Sharma), thanks Virat, thanks Gauti (Gambhir) bhai. I am so happy today,” said Ashwin in a video shared by the BCCI on social media.
He recalled the memories of his first tour to Australia in 2011-12, which marked the end of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman’s illustrious careers. In the subsequent year, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar hung up his boots.
“It feels like just now I toured Australia for the first time. I saw everybody transition. Rahul paaji left, Sachin paaji left.”
“But, trust me guys, everybody’s time comes and it’s truly my time. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have built some great relationships, especially over the last 4-5 years. I am leaving behind some of my teammates who have been playing with dearly.
“Every passing moment in the last four years, I have realised how much I value their relationship and value them as a player. I have had a great time,” he added.
Ashwin confirmed that he would be leaving the Indian squad midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and head back home to Chennai on Thursday (December 19), but vowed to keep a close tab on his teammates.
“I will be taking a flight back home. But I will be tuned in to watch how well you guys go in Melbourne. I will be looking forward to each one of your performances.
“The international cricketer in me might have come to an end, but the cricket nut in me will never come to an end. All the very best. If at all, you guys need anything, I am just a phone call away,” Ashwin said.
In the video, Ravichandran Ashwin was also seen collecting a signed Australia jersey from his off-spin counterpart Nathan Lyon and skipper Pat Cummins.
Ashwin represented his country in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats. He finished his career as India's second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 scalps to his name.