Sports Desk:

The decision came following the conclusion of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. He is set to return to India on Thursday.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin revealed during a press conference after the Brisbane Test. “I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day [for India].

“I’ve had a lot of fun. I must say I have created a lot of memories alongside Rohit [Sharma] and several of my other team-mates, even though I have lost some of them [from the India team] over the last few years. We’re the last bunch of OGs, if we can say that, left out in the dressing room, and I will be marking this as my date of having played at this level.”

Ashwin extended his gratitude to many individuals and organizations that shaped his career. “Obviously there are a lot of people to thank, but I would be failing in my duties if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the fellow team-mates. Several of them. I want to name a few of them. All the coaches who have been part of the journey. Most importantly, Rohit, Virat [Kohli], Ajinkya [Rahane], [Cheteshwar] Pujara, who have taken those splendid catches around the bat to give me the number of wickets I’ve managed to get over the years.”

Though stepping away from international cricket, Ashwin hinted at staying involved in the game, possibly beyond his roles in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings or the TNPL with Dindigul Dragons. “See you soon. As a cricketer, I have just stopped it. Might go on to be involved with the game, because this is a game that has given me everything.”

Ashwin ends his Test career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 537 wickets in 106 matches, trailing only Anil Kumble’s 619. He also amassed 3503 runs, joining an elite group of allrounders with over 3000 runs and 300 wickets.  Since debuting in 2010, Ashwin has left an indelible mark, including being part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad. His record across formats reflects his immense contributions, with 116 ODIs, 65 T20Is, and a final appearance in an ODI World Cup match in October 2023 against Australia in Chennai.