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Ravichandran Ashwin, who is India’s second highest wicket-taker in international cricket, announced his decision to retire from all three formats of the game on December 18.
R Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18. (Picture Credit: AP)
Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024. The 38-year-old cricketer from Tamil Nadu was dropped from India’s playing XI for the third Test against Australia, which ended in a draw at The Gabba in Brisbane. Ashwin was part of India’s playing XI for the day-night Test, which the Aussies won by 10 wickets inside three days. In that match, Ashwin, who is India’s second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, was only able to take one wicket.
Ashwin brought an end to his 15-year-long international career with 765 wickets to his name. In 106 Tests for India, he got rid of 537 batters, which is the second most by any Indian player. Ashwin’s retirement in the middle of a Test series came as a surprise for many fans and former greats of the game, and now former India spinner Erapalli Prasanna has reacted to Ashwin’s decision by saying that the 38-year-old wasn’t “treated well.”
“What an incredible bowler he is. He is right up there with the greatest spinners of all time. You should also account for the chances he didn’t get when the team was travelling abroad. I don’t think they treated him well because he was actually very good even when he was playing away,” Prasanna told Deccan Herald.
“I think these factors played a part in him quitting. It’s a sad day for Indian cricket,” he added.
The former Indian spinner, who dismissed 189 batters in 49 Tests during his playing career, said that Ashwin’s absence will leave a big void, and he is very proud of the Chennai-based cricketer’s achievements.
“I am very proud of him, and I admire him for taking spin to such a high level. Frankly, I doubt anyone can emulate him; he’s so unique. This really is a big concern for India at the moment,” said Prasanna.
“Ashwin’s absence is a massive void because he is the guy who gave you middle-over management. I don’t mean to disrespect Washington (Sundar), but there are a lot of off-spinners who can do what he does—flat, fast, not really spin, more so seam up. No one can do what Ashwin did, and I don’t think we will be able to fill that void for a very long time,” he added.
