Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career at the highest level. The decision was revealed following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Brisbane, with Ashwin confirming that this would be his final day as an Indian cricketer across all formats.

In a heartfelt statement during a press conference after the Brisbane Test, Ashwin reflected on his journey, saying, "I feel there's a little bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I'd like to express that, showcase that in club-level cricket." The 37-year-old spinner shared his gratitude for the memorable experiences he's had with teammates like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, who have been integral to his career.

Ashwin, known for his exceptional bowling and contributions with the bat, will retire as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets at an average of 24 across 106 Tests. Only Anil Kumble, India’s legendary leg-spinner, has more Test wickets than Ashwin, with 619 scalps in 132 matches.

His journey in international cricket has been remarkable, with Ashwin also contributing significantly with the bat. He scored 3503 Test runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties, making him one of the few allrounders with over 3000 runs and 300 wickets in the format. Additionally, Ashwin has won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, a feat he shares with Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralidaran.

Though Ashwin was not a regular in India’s overseas Test squads in recent years, his influence on the team has been undeniable. He was part of India’s historic series win in Australia in 2020-2021 and remains a key figure in Indian cricket’s recent successes.

Looking forward, Ashwin expressed his thanks to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his fellow players, as well as the coaches who guided him throughout his career. He also reminisced about the camaraderie shared with his teammates, some of whom have recently retired, adding, "We're the last bunch of OGs, we can say that."

With Ashwin's departure, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its finest spinners and allrounders, whose legacy will endure for years to come. He leaves behind a remarkable career filled with records, memories, and immense contributions to Indian cricket.