Ravichandran Ashwin will go down in cricketing history as one of the best spinners. The veteran spinner had been the backbone of Indian bowling attack for over a decade in the longest format of the game giving fans some memorable moments to rejoice.
Following his retirement announcement, Ashwin not only expressed gratitude for the relationships built but affirmed his continued passion for cricket, though shifting focus to club, franchise cricket.
R Ashwin's final message to Team India players and staff
While addressing Team India players and support staff inside Indian dressing room for one final time Ashwin said,"I don't know how to go about this honestly. It is a very emotional moment for me. It feels just like 2011-12 when I toured here, my first Australian tour and I saw a transition. Rahul bhai left, Sachin paaji left. Trust me guys, everybody's time comes and today was truly my time. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Built some great relationships and friendships over the last 4-5 years, notably."
He added, "I will be taking a flight back home but will tune in to see how well you guys do in Melbourne. The international cricketer in me might have come to an end but the cricket nut in me will never come to an end. I will be looking forward to each one of your performances and all the very best,".
R Ashwin retires from international cricket
Ashwin ends his Test career as India's second-highest wicket-taker in the format, with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests, only behind Anil Kumble, who finished with 619 wickets from 132 Tests.
In the previous series, the 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand, Ashwin had picked up only nine wickets at an average of 41.22. Ashwin was the first bowler to record 100 WTC wickets and is currently the highest-wicket taker with 195 scalps from in 41 matches, followed by Australia’s Nathan Lyon (190).
In addition to his wickets, Ashwin also scored 3503 Test runs with six hundreds and 14 fifties, making him one of 11 allrounders with more than 3000 runs and 300 wickets. He also won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, level with Muthiah Muralidaran.
