Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024, made a startling revelation on March 16. He disclosed that he had originally planned to bid farewell to the game at the conclusion of the India-England Test series in March the previous year.
Speaking at an event, Ashwin shared that he had invited legendary Indian cricketer and former captain MS Dhoni to his 100th Test in Dharamsala, hoping Dhoni would present him with the memento to mark the occasion as his final game for Team India. “I called MS (Dhoni) for my 100th Test (in Dharamsala) to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. But he couldn’t make it,” Ashwin revealed.
India’s second-highest wicket-taker in both Test and international cricket, Ashwin reached the milestone when he played his 100th Test against England at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium from March 7-9, 2024.
Delivering a stellar performance, he claimed four wickets for 51 runs in the first innings and dismissed five English batters for 77 runs in the second innings, leading India to a commanding victory by an innings and 64 runs. His contribution ensured a triumphant moment, though it did not ultimately mark the end of his illustrious career as he had initially intended.
