Indian veteran spinner Ravichandarn Ashwin has announced retirement from international cricket after sealing a draw in the third Test at Gabba. Ashwin was seen in an emotional moment, getting embraces from Virat Kohli during the rain delay, in the dressing room. During the post-match press conference, the Indian test captain Rohit Sharma clarified that he got to know about Ashwin's retirement the moment he stepped in Perth. Rohit added that, Ash stated that if the team thinks him not as a regular in the series, the later should retire. Even though the team initially wanted to keep him, keeping in mind the conditions in Melbourne, they finally decided to "respect" Ashwin's decision. 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 Ashwin did not play at Perth in the first test, and neither in the third test as Ravindra Jadeja replaced him. Read also: Watch: Virat Kohli gives warm hugs to emotional Ashwin, at Gabba Ashwin, the man just behind Kumble Ravichandran Ashwin concluded a a stellar 13-year career in international cricket. The 38-year-old ends as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 dismissals, behind Anil Kumble’s 619. Ashwin’s decision came after India drew the 4th Test against Australia in Brisbane. Speculation arose when cameras captured an emotional Ashwin sharing a heartfelt moment with Virat Kohli during a rain break. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar hinted at the retirement, which Ashwin later confirmed. Ashwin played only one Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking one wicket in the Adelaide match, where Australia triumphed by ten wickets. Across his illustrious career, Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, amassing 775 wickets across formats. His Test record includes an impressive average of 24, a strike rate of 50.7, and 37 five-wicket hauls. Globally, Ashwin ranks seventh among Test wicket-takers and is the leading off-spinner in this category, though Nathan Lyon is poised to surpass him. Known for his skill, strategy, and consistency, Ashwin leaves a legacy as one of India’s finest cricketers, celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the game.