'Thank You, Anna': Ravichandran Ashwin's Sudden Retirement During BGT Sparks Emotional Tributes

Speculation about R Ashwin's retirement intensified during IND vs AUS Gabba Test match, sparked by a viral dressing room video of him and Virat Kohli, where the two shared an emotional hug.

R Ashwin played in the Adelaide (2nd) Test but did not feature in the playing XI for 3rd Test in Gabba.

Source : @satishdubeyy / X

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin joined captain Rohit Sharma in the press conference to announce his retirement from international cricket, after IND vs AUS 3rd Test in Gabba ended in a draw due to rain and poor light. Ashwin, who was part of the Indian squad for the Australia tour, played in the Adelaide (2nd) Test but did not feature in the playing XI for 3rd Test in Gabba.

Speculation about his retirement intensified during IND vs AUS Gabba Test match, sparked by a viral dressing room video of Ashwin and Virat Kohli, where the two shared an emotional hug. The 38-year-old concludes his illustrious career with 765 international wickets from 287 matches.

Ashwin is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, with an exceptional record across all formats. He has taken 537 wickets in Test cricket, 156 wickets in ODIs, and 72 wickets in T20Is, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's finest.

Fans, cricket fraternity react to R Ashwin's sudden retirement during Ind vs Aus Border-Gavaskar Trophy

It’s hard to say goodbye to a legend like Ravichandran Ashwin. A true warrior on the field, a thinker of the game, and an inspiration to many. Your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The game will miss you, but your impact will live on. 🏏💔 #FarewellAshwin pic.twitter.com/U9Z6cIBbCX

— Satish Chandra Dubey (@satishdubeyy) December 18, 2024

R. Ashwin retires from International cricket.

- Fastest Bowler to 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 Test Wickets

- 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, only behind Muttiah Muralitharan & Shane Warne

You did well. Farewell @ashwinravi99 🏅 pic.twitter.com/R0av4fyyhG

— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) December 18, 2024

A lot of hugs, from all the Indian fans, Ash Anna! ❤🫂

Ravichandran Ashwin 99, signing off. 🥺

📸: Star Sports | #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/EBU6wnSZtx

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) December 18, 2024

- 537 wickets in Tests.
- 156 wickets in ODIs.
- 72 wickets in T20I.

ONE OF THE GREATEST EVER, ASHWIN 🐐 pic.twitter.com/kp72t11huO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 18, 2024

Happy retirement #Ashwin pic.twitter.com/iP8Rxj43oR

— memes_hallabol (@memes_hallabol) December 18, 2024

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡

A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏

The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.

Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024

The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024

I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024

a GOAT retires

Well done on what's been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. @ashwinravi99

Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends ❤️#INDvAUS #ashwin#legend

— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 18, 2024

Ashwin will return to action when he plays in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.