Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could well announce his retirement from international cricket after the ongoing Test match between Australia and India at Gabba, Brisbane. It will be a huge development in Indian cricket if Ashwin takes this action.
The speculations emerged after some acts inside the Indian dressing room during the third Test in Brisbane. Virat Kohli was seen hugging Ashwin as the latter too looked quite emotional.
Virat Kohli gives an hug to a very emotional Ravichandran Ashwin. I think we are closing to a big announcement soon.
— Kanav Bali (@Concussion__Sub) December 18, 2024
Virat Kohli hugging Ravi Ashwin for the last time maybe. What an emotional moment 🇮🇳💔💔💔 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LQeBlSY4xX
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) December 18, 2024
Also read: Travis Head to be ruled out of remainder of BGT? Batter’s groin injury scare stuns Australia
Ravichandran Ashwin to announce retirement after Gabba Test?
The scenes from the dressing room indicate that a big announcement could be made soon on Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement. It will be a big loss for Indian cricket as Ashwin has been serving Indian cricket for a long time and is one of the most experienced cricketers in the current Test squad.
Is it Ravi Ashwin who’s going to make the R announcement today? What a champion he’s been for Indian cricket
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 18, 2024
Ashwin played the second Test of the ongoing series in Adelaide but didn’t make much of an impact. He picked up 1-53 in the only innings he bowled and scored 22 and 7 across both the innings of the match.
Ravichandran Ashwin dropped after Adelaide Test
However, he was dropped for the next match in Brisbane for the left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja too wasn’t impressive with the ball either but played a magnificent innings of 77 off 123 balls with the bat.
Jadeja is likely to keep his place for the next Test in Melbourne. Being a batting allrounder, he seems to provide the team a perfect balance to the team.
The pitch in Sydney is especially one of the most spin-friendly wickets in Australia and Ravichandran Ashwin could play a big role there. He also played a memorable innings with the bat the last time he played in Australia and helped India eke out a draw.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s record in Test cricket
R Ashwin is one of the most successful bowlers for India in Test cricket. He has an outstanding record and is currently India’s second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket after Anil Kumble.
The 38-year-old has picked up 537 wickets in 107 Tests so far at an average of 24. He has picked up 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket which is the most by an Indian bowler.
Ashwin finishes as one of the true legends of the game who has helped India to dominate for more than a decade in Test cricket at home. His skills and variety make him such a difficult bowler to face for a batter.