Ravichandran Ashwin Bids Farewell to International Cricket, Marking the End of an Era for India’s Spin Duo.
Ravichandran Ashwin, fondly known as Ash, announced his retirement from all international formats of cricket, bringing an end to an iconic chapter for the Indian cricket team. Born on September 17, 1986, in Madras, Tamil Nadu, Ashwin’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable.
Early Life
Ashwin’s interest in cricket began at a very young age. At nine years old, he joined the YMCA to train under Chandrasekar Rao. Later, he moved to St. Bede’s, a school with a cricket academy, where he trained under C.K. Vijaya Kumar. Initially starting as a medium pacer, he transitioned to off-spin on his coach’s advice. Ashwin also represented India in the Under-17 team as an opening batsman, showcasing his versatility early on.
International Debut
Ashwin’s stellar performances in the 2010 IPL paved the way for his international debut. He played his first ODI against Sri Lanka that year, followed by his T20I debut against Zimbabwe. In 2011, he made his Test debut against the West Indies, becoming the seventh Indian bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in his first match. Since then, Ashwin has been a cornerstone of the Indian team.
Ashwin was a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team and the 2023 runner-up squad. He also contributed to India’s victories in the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups and the 2013 Champions Trophy and played for the runner-up teams in the 2014 T20 World Cup and the 2019-2021 and 2021-2023 World Test Championship cycles.
Records and Achievements
Ashwin holds the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets. He is also the fastest Indian to achieve 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 Test wickets in terms of matches. Notably, he is the only Indian to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test on four separate occasions. Ashwin’s 11 “Man of the Series” awards are a testament to his consistency.
Awards
Ashwin’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades. He won the Arjuna Award in 2015 and was named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2016. Additionally, he received the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award in 2016 and the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award in 2021.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the conclusion of an illustrious career, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Ashwin, the Match winner 🙌
Ashwin, the Centurion 💯
Ashwin, the Magician with the ball 🪄
Ashwin, the Team man 🤝International cricket will miss them all ❤️#TeamIndia | #ThankYouAshwin | @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/ThvJ7pwRNT
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024