December 18, 2024
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulates Mr. Ravichandran Ashwin, one of cricket’s finest, on an extraordinary career. The ace spinner announced his retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Wednesday at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Ashwin, a name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. Over his illustrious career spanning 14 years, Ashwin set benchmarks in both red and white-ball cricket. His remarkable journey of 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is is a testament to extraordinary skill, relentless hard work and research, and an in-depth understanding of the game.
Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket are nothing short of exceptional. With 537 Test wickets, 156 ODI dismissals, and 72 scalps in T20 Internationals, he stands as one of the most prolific bowlers in cricketing history. His record includes an incredible 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, the second-most in the history of the game, along with 8 ten-wicket hauls. These feats underline his knack for delivering match-winning performances.
Facing top opposition consistently brought out the best in Ashwin. He retires with an impressive 115 Test wickets against Australia and 114 against England. Notably, he took 115 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the second-most in the history of the contest.
Beyond his bowling brilliance, Ashwin’s prowess with the bat made him an invaluable all-rounder. He scored six Test centuries and 14 fifties, including several resilient knocks in challenging conditions. Four of his centuries were complemented by five-wicket hauls in the same match, a rare feat reflecting his enormous contributions to the team.
Ashwin’s all-round skills earned him 11 Player of the Series awards, the joint-most in the longest format of the game. His achievements in white-ball cricket were equally impactful. A member of India’s World Cup-winning squad in 2011, Ashwin played a key role in India winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and he successfully defended 15 runs in the final over of the final against England in Birmingham.
Ashwin has served Indian cricket with distinction and enriched its history with his artistry, intellect, and unmatched skills.
Mr Roger Binny, President, BCCI, said: “Ashwin’s brilliance has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket’s success over the years. From being a prodigious talent to becoming one of the greatest off-spinners in cricketing history, his achievements are a source of immense pride. He redefined spin bowling and always sought to stay ahead of the curve. Ashwin is a perfect role model for young cricketers. I thank him for his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket.”
Mr Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, said: “Ashwin’s journey is a testament to the heights that dedication and passion can achieve. His ability to think ahead of the game has been a tremendous asset to Indian cricket. In Ashwin, we’ve witnessed a bowler who didn’t just take wickets but dismantled batting strategies. His approach to the game, combined with his exceptional skills, has made him one of the most respected cricketers of his generation. I congratulate him on an outstanding career.”
Mr Devajit Saikia, BCCI Joint Secretary, said: “Ashwin has been a game-changer in every sense. Whether it was his magical spells on the field or his insightful discussions off it, he brought something truly special to Indian cricket. His ability to reinvent himself, develop new bowling variations, and consistently perform at the highest level makes him a true legend. His extraordinary career serves as an example for future generations of cricketers who will undoubtedly look up to him as an ideal role model.”
