Ravichandran Ashwin retires: India spinner retires from international cricket at 38

Ashwin took 156 wickets at 33.20 apiece in 116 ODIs and 72 at an average of 23.22 in 65 T20s.

He was part of the team that won the 2011 World Cup in India, although he played only two matches.

He will be largely remembered for his Test exploits – his tally of 37 five-wicket hauls is second only to Sri Lanka great Muttiah Muralitharan.

Ashwin was the leading wicket-taker in India’s last three series against England, including 24 in the 4-1 home triumph this year.

Captain Rohit Sharma said Ashwin considered retiring before the Australia tour but he convinced him to continue.

Ashwin was left out of the team for the first Test and took a wicket in the second.

“He was very sure about what he wanted to do and the team has complete support for his thought process,” Rohit said.

“He has had so many big moments with the Indian team and he has been a big match winner for us.

“He’s allowed to make those decisions and if it’s now, so be it.”