After playing 287 international matches and taking 765 wickets, legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. However, he will continue to participate in domestic tournaments and the IPL. Ashwin, who claimed 537 wickets in 106 Tests, retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, behind Anil Kumble (619). His retirement announcement came as a surprise to many players, including star batsman Virat Kohli, though Indian captain Rohit Sharma was aware of the decision before the ongoing series in Australia began. Ashwin’s sudden retirement has sparked speculation about similar announcements from other senior players in the near future.
Team India to Enter Transition Phase Next Year
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Indian team is expected to undergo a transition phase next year. Following the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s in June, several senior players might announce their retirements, provided India qualifies for the final. If the team fails to qualify, these announcements could come even earlier.
Could Happen Before the England Tour
The report suggests, “It is difficult to determine how planned or spontaneous this decision will be, but the Indian team is expected to go through a transition soon. This may happen before the Test series in England in 2025. Historically, Australia tours have played a significant role in marking the end of many Indian cricket careers.”
2025 Could Be the Year of Retirements
The report further indicates that 2025 might turn out to be a year of retirements in Indian cricket, much like 2008, when Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble retired after the same series. “It is unlikely that anyone will openly admit this decision was influenced, but Ashwin’s announcement could mark the beginning of a series of retirements. In 2008, several senior players retired suddenly from international cricket. This could be seen as a signal for change.”
Ashwin’s Words on the Matter
It remains unclear whether these announcements will follow the ongoing series against Australia or occur later if India fails to qualify for the WTC final. In his farewell speech, Ashwin mentioned how he enjoyed sharing the dressing room with other senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja during his career.
Senior Players in Line
Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja have already retired from T20 internationals as of June. Unlike Ashwin, both Rohit and Kohli have struggled in Tests. Rohit’s standout moment in 2024 was his sensational batting performance in the T20 World Cup. Kohli, on the other hand, showed brilliance in the tournament’s final against South Africa and scored a century in the Perth Test against Australia last month but has otherwise struggled to deliver consistent performances.