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'I Heard This..... Perth'- Rohit Reveals How He Convinced Ashwin To Stay For Adelaide Test

Sakshi Sharma

R Ashwin announce retirement from International cricket (Source:@AP)R Ashwin announce retirement from International cricket (Source:@AP)

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In a shocking announcement, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin confirmed his retirement from all formats of international cricket on Wednesday, (December 18). He made this announcement after the conclusion of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. 

The 38-year-old cricketer addressed the media alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma at the Gabba in Brisbane, and revealed that the match would mark his final appearance. He has been a crucial figure in Indian cricket over the past decade, and also mentioned that he would not be part of the team for the remainder of the series.

Rohit Sharma Pays Tribute To Ashwin's Legacy

During the press conference, a visibly emotional Rohit Sharma expressed his admiration for Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket. The Indian captain, who has played alongside Ashwin for many years, described the off-spinner as one of the 'biggest match-winners' in the history of Indian cricket.

Rohit further revealed that he had tried to convince Ashwin to stay on for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, but the spinner had already made up his mind by then.

"Speaking about Ash, he was very very sure about this decision I heard this when I came to Perth. Obviously, I was not there for the first three or four days of the Test match, but this was in his mind since then. There are obviously a lot of things that went behind it; I'm pretty sure, you know, Ash, when he went in position, will be able to answer that. He felt if I am not needed, it's better to say goodbye. Rohit told reporters at the post-match press conference. 

R Ashwin's Remarkable Career

R Ashwin's retirement marks the end of a remarkable career, he has played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is. Across all formats, he took 765 wickets, and is no doubt regarded as one of India’s greatest-ever bowlers. 

In Tests, Ashwin has been a crucial figure in India's success, particularly in home conditions. He has played 106 Test matches and has taken 537 wickets. He has played 116 ODIs and has scalped 156 wickets. He has featured in 65 T20Is and has 72 wickets to his name.