The BCCI on Friday shared a tribute video honouring Ravichandran Ashwin. The off-spinner announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024, after the third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba ended in a draw.
The news of Ashwin’s retirement came as a shock to many, given his remarkable consistency and invaluable contributions to the team over the years. In the emotional video posted by BCCI, Ashwin reflected on his illustrious journey while snippets of his memorable matches played in the background.
He recalled a defining moment early in his career, saying, “In 2012, we lost a tricky series against England. I was just starting out, and I promised myself that I would never lose another one. That promise pushed me to enjoy every moment of my game. Hearing the crowd erupt when my name was announced to bowl or bat was something I always looked forward to. I knew I needed to keep improving as a cricketer.”
Discussing his career highlights, Ashwin described the last decade as a dream come true. “It’s been a magical season, a fairytale ride. It will be hard to replicate. In the end, it’s not the runs or wickets that matter—it’s the memories you make along the way.”
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣
A tribute to one of the finest all-rounders cricket has ever seen.
WATCH 🎥🔽 – By @RajalArora#TeamIndia | #ThankYouAshwin | @ashwinravi99https://t.co/XkKriOcxrZ
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 20, 2024
Ashwin also shared a lighthearted anecdote about an uncanny prediction made in 2011. “Someone told me I would retire on December 18, 2024, after taking so many wickets.
If you’d told me that back then, I wouldn’t have believed it. I never imagined the game I love would give me so much in return—so many wickets, runs, and most importantly, love. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported and challenged me along the way.”