• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • 3 Reasons Why Ashwin Retired Before Breaking Kumbles Record Of 619 Wickets For India

3 Reasons Why Ashwin Retired Before Breaking Kumble's Record Of 619 Wickets For India

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Ravichandran Ashwin in Test match [Source: @thusi_c/x.com]Ravichandran Ashwin in Test match [Source: @thusi_c/x.com]

Story continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Ravichandran Ashwin retired from Test cricket after the third Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Gabba in Brisbane. This match marked his last appearance in the Indian jersey. 

Notably, Ashwin retires as the second highest wicket taker in Test cricket for India. In 106 Test matches the veteran Indian spinner picked up 537 wickets at an average of 24.01. Anil Kumble sits at the top of this list with 619 wickets in 132 Test matches. So, Ashwin was just 82 wickets away from having the record to his name and yet announced to hang up his boots. Here are three reasons, why Ravi Ashwin not chase the record. 

3. Lack Of Chances In Overseas Tests

In this series, Ashwin played only in the second match at Adelaide. There were also doubts about him taking much participation in the last two games of the series. It is not only this series, the Indian team has over the years not played Ashwin too much in overseas Tests. This could have been one of the prime reasons for the Indian bowler to take the decision.

2. 10 Months Away From Home Tests

If India qualifies for the final of WTC they will be going to England that. After that their next assignment will be in England. India's next home Test series in home will be against West Indies in October. So, it is about 10 months before Ashwin will be able to play a major role as a Test bowler. So, with so much time left for him before he his able to contribute effectively for the team Ashwin might have thought that this would be the best time to retire from the highest stage of the game. 

1. Age Issue

Ravichandran Ashwin is currently aged 38 years. Even if he retired now, his career would have elongated a couple of years at the max. With him playing mostly in home Tests, there were very limited opportunities for him in the coming seasons. For 82 wickets he might had to play nearly 10-12 matches and that could have taken him nearly two or three more years. Ashwin might have decided not to put himself through the stress of international cricket for that long and hence the decision.