The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid a heartfelt tribute to ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who called time on his illustrious international career on Wednesday (December 18).
Ashwin represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats. He finished his career as the country’s second highest wicket-taker (537 scalps) in Test cricket, only behind Anil Kumble’s record tally of 619 dismissals.
Acknowledging Ashwin’s extraordinary contributions to Indian cricket, the BCCI shared a video on social media which showcased some of the best moments of his 14-year-long career.
“I don’t know where to begin. I made myself a promise in 2012. We lost a series to England in 2012. A tricky one. I was early in my career and I was just telling myself, ‘We are not going to lose another one ever," Ashwin said in the clip.
Reflecting on his accomplishment in the video, the legendary off-spinner said, “How many wickets you take, how many ever runs you make in 10 years you won’t remember. It’s the memories that matter."
“If somebody had told me in 2011 that I would be getting so many wickets, I’d be retiring on December 2024, the 18th, I wouldn’t have believed them. This is a game that I love but I never did expect I would get so much love, so many wickets and runs.
“I am very glad, a deep sense of gratitude for everyone who supported me, that’s challenged me. So happy today, thank you," he concluded.
Ashwin confirmed his retirement decision during a press conference at the Gabba, where the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test ended in a draw.
“There's a bit left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to exploit it at the domestic and club-level cricket, but this would be the last day (at the international level),” Ashwin told the media.
“I have had a lot of fun, a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates. We've lost some of them over the last few years, we've been the last bunch of OGs I can say that are left out in the dressing room. I can mark this as my last day in the dressing room,” he added.
After wrapping up the post-match presser, the 38-year-old also delivered a stirring farewell speech in the Indian dressing room.
“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.
