‘This will be my last day as Indian cricketer’ – WATCH: R. Ashwin’s emotional address to the media while announcing his retirement

Rohit Sharma was joined by R Ashwin to address the media as the 38-year-old announced his retirement. News was circulating that Ashwin might call time on his career as visuals showed him having a chat with Virat Kohli. The news was confirmed by the player himself while speaking to the media at the end of Brisbane Test match. 

Ashwin said, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer for all formats as an international cricketer. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer but I would like to showcase that in club level cricket and I have had a lot of fun I must say and created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates.”

Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from all forms of international cricket.

Congratulations on a brilliant career 👏 pic.twitter.com/UHWAFmMwC0

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 18, 2024

The 38-year-old also added, “Even though I have lost some of them in the last few years. We are the last bunch of OG’s (Originals) if you can say that left in that dressing room and I feel I will marking this as my date of having played at this level.”

Ashwin set to return home immediately 

Rohit Sharma seemed pensive as the 38-year-old made his announcement. Indian skipper also revealed that Ashwin will be flying back to India on Thursday. According to Rohit Sharma, the decision was made in Perth itself and Ashwin had to be convinced to play the Adelaide Test. The sudden decision left many fans in complete shock with Ashwin retiring as a great in the game with 537 test wickets. 

Ashwin while addressing the media added, “Obviously there are lots of people to thank but I would be failing in my duties if I didn’t thank the BCCI and fellow teammates. Several of them, I want to name a few of them, all the coaches who have been part of the journey.”

“Most importantly Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, Pujara to have taken those splendid catches around the bat for the number of wickets I have managed to get over the years. Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team who have been very fierce competitors and I have enjoyed my time playing against them,” said Ashwin. 

The veteran star ended by saying, “I think it is already getting long I wouldn’t be taking any questions but truly a very emotional moment I don’t, I am in a position where I would be to answer any questions in the right way. Please pardon me for that and once again that’s my time and thanks for being journalists you been writing the good things and asking things on occasions and that’s a relationship we would maintain forever and I hope the cricketers to come in the future will also get the same amount of love you have given. Once again thank you all and see you seen and as a cricketer I have stopped but will continue to be involved in the game.”