Fri. Jan 31st, 2025

Ashwin's retirement: Ashwin Promise to Be "Just a Call Away"

One of the finest cricketers in India, R. Ashwin, recently confirmed that he is retiring from international cricket after a 14-year career. His journey has been one of achieving great landmarks, memorable moments, and some impossible performances. Ashwin’s retirement ends an era for Indian cricket because he has taken 765 international wickets, out of which 537 have been in Test cricket.

In this article, we will discuss Ashwin’s career, how he impacted Indian cricket, his emotional goodbye, and the legacy that lingers.

Ashwin’s Legacy in Numbers

Ravichandran leaves cricket with amazing statistics in his journey of cricket. As he closes his career books in cricket, Ashwin has enjoyed quite impressive milestones that placed him firmly among the spinners in the game

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy Rate	Strike Rate
Test	106	200	537	7/59	24.00	2.83	50.7
ODI	116	114	156	4/25	33.20	4.93	40.4
T20I	65	65	72	4/8	23.22	6.90	20.1
Total	287	379	765	7/59	25.80	3.38	45.7

Ashwin’s contribution with the bat has also been significant, with 3503 runs in Test matches, including six centuries, adding depth to his all-round capabilities.

Ravichandran’s Emotional Farewell

On December 18, 2024, Ashwin announced his retirement after India’s Test match draw with Australia in Brisbane. Ashwin got emotional with his teammates and the media while making the announcement along with India’s captain, Rohit Sharma.

“I don’t know how to go about this honestly. It is a very emotional moment for me,” Ashwin said, addressing his teammates. While looking back at his career, he spoke of the transitions in Indian cricket and mentioned the departures of legends like Rahul and Sachin “Everybody’s time comes, and today was truly my time,” he added.

Ashwin further said his international career is over but cricket will never die in his heart. “The international cricketer in me might have come to an end, but the cricket nut in me will never come to an end,” he stated, stating that he was still glued to the game. His vow to be “just a call away” marks a commitment to the next generations of cricketers, since he would keep on being a guiding mentor.

Memorable Ashwin Performances

Ravichandran has had some amazing performances over the years. A few standout moments are as follows:

7/59 vs New Zealand (2016 – Test): In the third Test in Indore, Ashwin took seven wickets in one of his best bowling performances, helping India defeat New Zealand by 321 runs. Ashwin took 27 wickets in just three games during this series, which included this performance.
2/52 vs Australia (2011 – ODI World Cup Quarterfinal): Despite playing in just two games during India’s 2011 World Cup campaign, Ashwin had a big influence. He helped India get closer to the championship by taking important wickets in the quarterfinal match against Australia, including Ricky Ponting.
2/15 vs England (2013 – Champions Trophy Final): India won the 2013 Champions Trophy final at Lord’s due in large part to Ashwin. He took two quick wickets in a row during his 2/15 session in the rain-affected match, which helped India win by an exciting five runs.
39 against Australia (2021 – Sydney Test): In the Sydney Test in 2021, Ashwin valiantly helped India achieve a historic draw. He suffered from severe back pain and withstood 259 balls alongside Hanuma Vihari, which prevented the Australian bowlers from winning on the last day.
1 vs Pakistan (2022 – T20 World Cup): Ashwin’s cool and collected shot off M. Nawaz sealed India’s victory in a decisive T20 World Cup encounter against Pakistan, guaranteeing an intriguing conclusion in front of a crowded MCG.

Ashwin’s Impact Beyond Cricket

While Ashwin’s career is marked off with exceptional skills with the ball, his leadership and mentorship of youngsters off the field made him a favorite in the Indian dressing room as well.

Mentorship Role

Ashwin is a player who has always played an active role in guiding the younger players whenever required. He has led by example and remained calm during situations of pressure, and for this reason, the team values him immensely.

Future Involvement in Cricket

Even though Ashwin is stepping down from international cricket, he still wants to continue to be a part of the game. His pledge to stay “just a call away” reflects his commitment to cricket and the next generation. His wisdom and input – as a player and guide – will continue to help India’s cricketing ecosystem.

Conclusion

Even if he retires from international cricket, R. Ashwin will continue to motivate future generations of cricket players. His leadership both on and off the field, whether with bat or ball, has earned him a particular place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.

Years will pass and people will remember his achievements, performances, and mentoring. With Ashwin’s commitment to being “just a call away,” the Indian cricket team can rest assured that he will remain an integral part of the game, either as a mentor or due to his invincible love for the game.