Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing an illustrious career to a close.
The announcement came at the end of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Brisbane, following a press conference where Ashwin expressed his gratitude for the journey he has had with the Indian cricket team.
"This will be my last year as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level," said Ashwin.
"I feel there's still a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I'd like to express that and showcase it at the club level," he added.
Ashwin, who has been a crucial part of India's cricketing legacy, went on to reflect on his time with the team, particularly the memories made alongside his teammates, including captain Rohit Sharma.
He also acknowledged the losses the team has faced over the years with key retirements.
"I've had a lot of fun. I've made a lot of memories alongside Rohit [Sharma] and several of my teammates, even though we've lost some of them [to retirements] over the last few years. We're the last bunch of OGs, we can say that. I will mark this as the date I played at this level," he said.
The spinner thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his fellow team members, stating, "Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank, but I would be failing in my duties if I didn't thank the BCCI and my fellow teammates."
His career has been nothing short of spectacular. With 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24, he is India's second-highest wicket-taker in the format, behind only the legendary Anil Kumble.
He also leaves behind a legacy of 3,503 Test runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties.
The 38-year-old now joins an exclusive group of all-rounders with over 3,000 runs and 300 wickets, holding the record for the most Player-of-the-Series awards (11), shared with Muttiah Muralitharan.
In 106 Tests, Ashwin has taken 37 five-wicket hauls, the most by any Indian bowler in the format, second only to former Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 67 five-wicket hauls in his career.
Ashwin made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka in Harare on June 5, 2010, and has since claimed 156 wickets in 116 matches.
He was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, led by MS Dhoni.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Ravichandran Ashwin
