End of a spin saga: R Ashwin quits int'l cricket

MID-SERIES FAREWELL SHOCKS CRICKET FRATERNITY

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NEW DELHI: Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stunned the cricketing world on Wednesday by announcing his retirement from international cricket in the middle of the ongoing Test series against Australia.

The 38-year-old, who holds the distinction of being India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, chose an unconventional moment to bring the curtain down on a stellar career that has spanned over 14 years.

His decision, delivered at a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma after the drawn third Test in Adelaide, has left fans and pundits alike reflecting on the legacy of one of cricket's most innovative and impactful players.

Ashwin's statistics speak volumes about his contribution to Indian cricket.

He retires with 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, a tally second only to the legendary Anil Kumble, who claimed 619 scalps.

In limited-overs cricket, Ashwin was an integral part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad and the 2013 Champions Trophy triumph, finishing his ODI career with 156 wickets in 113 matches.

In T20Is, he claimed 72 wickets in 65 games.

However, for Ashwin, numbers have never been the sole yardstick for success.

His journey has been defined by his ability to innovate, adapt, and push the boundaries of what an off-spinner can achieve in modern cricket.

At the press conference, Ashwin declined to take questions, explaining that he wanted to avoid being overwhelmed by emotion.

"Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer in all formats," he said.

"I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that in club cricket."

He confirmed his plans to return to the IPL next year, where he will once again don the Chennai Super Kings jersey.