India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket midway through his team’s tour of Australia.
The 38-year-old, who has taken 537 wickets in 106 Tests, announced his immediate retirement after the third match in Brisbane ended in a rain-affected draw.
“Today will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin said at a press conference.
“I think I have some strength left in me as a cricketer, but I want to show that at club level cricket.
“It is a very touching moment. I had a lot of fun. “I made a lot of memories.”
Ashwin was ruled out of the series opener in Perth before being recalled for the second Test in Adelaide. He was left out of Brisbane in favor of Ravindra Jadeja.
Captain Rohit Sharma said he knew Ashwin was considering retirement before the series but convinced him to play in Adelaide last week.
Besides a Test career that includes 600 hundreds, Ashwin has played in 116 one-day internationals and 65 T20s for India.
India batsman Virat Kohli said about X: “I played with you for 14 years and today when you told me you were retiring I got a little emotional and it brought back memories of all the years we played together.
“I have enjoyed every journey with Ash. Your skills and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.
“I wish you and your family the best in life and all that it holds for you. With tremendous respect and much love for you and those close to you. Thanks for everything mate.”
