As Ravichandran Ashwin retires, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Virat Kohli and others extend wishes; a look at spinner's records

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's off-spinner, startled the cricket world on Wednesday (December 18) by announcing his retirement with immediate effect in the middle of a Test series against Australia. A day after announcing his retirement from international cricket Ashwin made a quiet early-morning return to the country here on Thursday.

Ashwin could be seen being escorted out of the Chennai International Airport by local officials as fans took photographs before he left with his family without talking to the waiting media.

He has featured in over 287 matches for India, the numbers paint a befitting picture of his impact with both bat and ball.

From a sizeable wickets tally to an achievement that is the envy of Test all-rounders, here's a list of the records the 38-year-old holds as he called off on his international career.

Let's take a look at the records made by Ravichandran Ashwin while playing:

Second-most wickets for India: Ashwin finishes his career with 765 scalps across formats - second-highest for India, only behind Anil Kumble (953). His tally of 537 wickets for India in Test cricket is also second only to Anil Kumble (619).

Quickest to 350 Test wickets: Back in 2019, Ashwin breached the mark in his 66th Test match for India and is the joint-quickest to get to that mark alongside Muttiah Muralidaran. The Indian off-spinner also holds the record for being the quickest to bag 250 and 300 Test wickets - having done so off 45 and 54 outings respectively.

Six Test hundreds and 500 wickets: Ashwin remains the only player in Test history to have claimed more than five Test hundreds (6) to go along with 500 wickets to his name. He is only behind Ian Botham (5) in the tally of nabbing a Test century and five-for in the same Test - having done so four times.

Second-most five-wicket hauls: Ravichandran Ashwin has bagged a five-for in a Test innings 37 times - second only to Muttiah Muralidaran, who has 67 to his name. The off-spinner has also nabbed 10 wickets in a Test match on eight instances during his career, behind Muralidaran (22), Shane Warne (10), Sir Richard Hadlee and Rangana Herath (9) and equal to compatriot Anil Kumble.

Joint-highest player of the series awards: The spin all-rounder has been adjudged Player of the Series 11 times during his Test career - joint-best alongside Muttiah Muralidaran. 

Cricketers extend wishes on Ashwin's retirement

Kapil Dev
“I was shocked by how one of India’s greatest cricketers chose to leave the game. The disappointment among the fans was widespread, but I also saw a tinge of hurt on his face. He looked unhappy, and that was sad. He deserved much better, a fitting farewell,” Kapil to PTI.

Sachin Tendulkar
Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win. Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been wonderful. Your journey shows that true greatness lies in never being afraid to experiment and evolve. Your legacy will inspire one and all. Wishing you all the very best for your 2nd innings.

Virat Kohli
"I've played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you're retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I've enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket. Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy," Kohli had written on X (formerly Twitter).

Rishabh Pant
A true legend of the game. It’s been amazing sharing the field with you, learning from your craft and witnessing your greatness. Wishing you the best in all that lies ahead! C’mon Ash..C’mon Ash Forever.

K L Rahul 
Congratulations on a legendary career, Ash! Your skill, determination, and passion for the game has inspired us all. It’s been an honor to share the field and the dressing room with you. Wishing you all the best for what lies ahead.

Rohit Sharma
We’ve played together for so many years and created so many memories which I’ll cherish forever. You’ve been a match winner since match 1 & left a lasting impression on all the young bowlers coming through the ranks. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of upcoming young bowlers with the classic Ashwin action.

You are a true OG & legend of Indian Cricket & World Cricket and this team will miss having you.

Wishing the best to you & your lovely family for what lies ahead.

With inputs from agencies