Social media floods with emotional farewells as Ashwin bids adieu to international cricket

Brisbane: Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. Ashwin made the announcement following the conclusion of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane, which ended in a draw due to rain.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to expose and probably showcase that in club level cricket, but this will be the last day. I've had a lot of fun.

“I must say I've created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates, even though I've lost some of them over the last few years. We are the last bunch of OGs, if you can say that, left out of the dressing room. I'd be marking this as my date of having played at this level,” said Ashwin in the post-match press conference.

Rohit Sharma, who was present during Ashwin’s announcement, said Ashwin was very, very sure about his decision and fully supports his choice to retire.

The announcement has sent ripples across social media, sparking an emotional response from fans. Many took to the comments to express disbelief and heartfelt tributes.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid a rich tribute to retiring off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, saying his name will be synonymous with bringing mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation to the game.

“Thank You Ashwin. A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation. The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99,” wrote the BCCI on its X account.

“The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! @ashwinravi99,” wrote India head coach Gautam Gambhir on ‘X’.

“Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now,” commented former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

“An absolute match-winner, @ashwinravi99 ! Retiring as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket is nothing short of monumental. Combine that with his invaluable batting contributions, and you get one of the game’s solid all-rounders. Well done, Ash!” wrote former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan

“a GOAT retires. Well done on what's been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. @ashwinravi99 Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends,” wrote former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik.

The heartfelt tributes from former teammates and cricketing legends were echoed by fans worldwide, who took to social media to express their emotions and gratitude for Ashwin's remarkable career. One fan wrote, “But why now? Unbelievable retirement announcement. Could've played for few more years.” 

Another said, “What a legend of game!! He should have waited for home series and got retirement in Chennai with 600 wickets. But if legend has decided so be it”. 

One remarked, “Test matches in India won’t be same from Today. Left handers might be feeling very happy today”. 

Another emotional response came from a fan who wrote, “Unable to understand how to react. Tears rolling down my cheeks. Very emotional. You were, You are, and You will always be an inspiration for all of us. We are always with you. You are an Inspirational Legend.  We love you Ash. Wish You the Super Best in your life. Much love to you”. 

Ashwin ends his career with 537 wickets at average of 24 in 106 Tests and becoming India’s second leading wicket-taker after legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. He also scored six Test centuries and 14 fifties with the bat. His last international game was the day-night Test in Adelaide, where he took 1-53.

In Tests, Ashwin was one of the central figures in the Indian team’s 12-year long home domination and played a starring role in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in Australia. Ashwin was one of 11 allrounders to clinch the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. He also won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, level with Muttiah Muralitharan.