Ravichandran Ashwin Retirement: Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from international cricket moments after the conclusion of Australia Vs India, 3rd Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. The move has shocked the entire cricketing world, as no one expected 'Ash Anna' to retire before the conclusion of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series.
After a historic and humiliating 3-0 Test series clean sweep defeat at home to New Zealand, it was looking evidently clear that the future of senior players is on the line, and reports suggested that the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja might be given an ultimatum for the BGT 2024-25.
As Ravichandran Ashwin now hangs his boots for the national side, let's have a look at what has been, an iconic and legendary Test career of the Indian all-rounder:
- 537 Wickets: The highest wicket-taker in Tests for India after Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin is the only other Indian bowler to scalp 500+ Test wickets for the nation, and has 37 five-wicket hauls in the format (joint-second with legendary Shane Warne; behind Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 67 to his name).
- Joint-Most 'Player of the Series' Awards in Tests: Ravichandran Ashwin has the joint-most 'Player of the Series' awards in Test Cricket history, level alongside Muttiah Muralitharan. But what makes his feat more efficient a d significant is the fact that he has played lesser amount of series and matches than the Sri Lanka legend. Ashwin's feat has been achieved inside 106 matches and 44 series. This means that the Tamil Nadu-baded cricketer averages 1 'Player of the Series' awards every 4 series, which is absolutely sensational.
- Fastest to 350 Test Wickets: Ravichandran Ashwin has always ben known to be a constant wicket-taker, and the all-rounder is, till date, the fastest bowler to scalp 350 Test wickets, He ahcieved the feat in 66 matches, same as that of Mutiiah Muralitharan, but in lesser number of innings.
Watch all 500 Test wickets of Ravichandran Ashwin here: