Retirement Shocker: Legendary Indian Spinner Calls it a Day in International Cricket

New Delhi (The Utttam Hindu): In a surprising announcement, Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s modern-day spin wizard, has confirmed his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old off-spinner made the declaration during the post-match press conference following the drawn Test between India and Australia at Gabba, Brisbane. Ashwin revealed that he would step away from the international stage after a career spanning over a decade.

Ashwin, who played 107 Tests for India, leaves the game with a remarkable 537 wickets to his name. Known for his skillful spin and tactical brilliance, Ashwin achieved an incredible 37 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket match hauls. His career figures include an average of 24 with a strike rate of 50.7, and an economy rate of 2.83, making him one of the finest bowlers in Test cricket.

In his farewell statement, Ashwin expressed that while he still feels there's "a little bit of punch left in me as a cricketer," he wants to shift his focus to club-level cricket. “This will be my last year as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I’d like to express that, showcase that in club-level cricket,” Ashwin said.

His last Test match was the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, where he picked up one wicket and scored 29 runs across two innings. Over the course of his career, Ashwin also featured in 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, amassing 156 and 72 wickets, respectively. His all-round abilities were showcased through his 3503 runs in Test cricket, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries.

Ashwin’s international career may have come to a close, but he will continue to represent the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has been a stalwart for the franchise. His decision to retire from international cricket marks the end of an era, but his presence in the IPL will keep his fans excited for years to come.

Ashwin’s retirement brings the curtain down on one of the most distinguished careers in modern cricket, cementing his legacy as one of India’s greatest spinners.