Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket as the second-highest wicket-taker for India. His retirement can be compared to that of Anil Kumble, and fans might feel Deja-vu with the similarities between both their retirements.
India’s seasoned spinner R Ashwin gave a massive shock to the cricket world on Wednesday, December 18, as he suddenly announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket in the middle of the Test series against Australia in Brisbane. The veteran spinner has retired with the title of second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests.
Ashwin has secured 537 wickets to his name in 106 matches, which has placed him only behind legendary Indian bowler Anil Kumble who has 619 wickets to his name. Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket is being compared to Anil Kumble’s retirement as there are a few similarities between both of them, which might trigger a sense of Deja-vu to a lot of fans and experts.
The most spoken common thing about both Ashwin and Anil making their retirement is that they played their final test match against Australia itself. Ashwin played his last Test against Australia in Adelaide, whereas Anil played his last Test match in November 2008.
Both the legendary players have put an end to their Test career with more than 500 wickets. Ashwin has 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, whereas Anil Kumble has 619 wickets to his name in 132 matches.
Both Ashwin and Anil announced their decision to retire from Tests after the third Test of the series, and did not get any special sort of farewell. Ashwin bid his farewell after the third Test at Gabba of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he made the announcement after not being included in the playing XI for Gabba Test. Anil, similarly also retired after the third Test of the series against Australia in 2008. Though he had hoped to play the fourth match as well, he had to put an end to his career due to an injury which he could not avoid.
