Ravichandran Ashwin has decided to retire from international cricket midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with reports suggesting his persistent knee injuries as the primary reason. The 38-year-old off-spinner is also said to have considered his uncertain role in India’s Test team before making the announcement.

 The seasoned spinner who concluded his illustrious career with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

The Indian Express revealed that Ashwin had been battling a knee problem, which had led him to consider retirement even before the series began in Perth. His decision was reportedly finalised the night before his announcement, despite his family earlier advising him to deliberate further.

Ashwin’s omission from two of the three Tests in the ongoing series, where Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were preferred, also fuelled speculation about his future. His only appearance came in the second Test in Adelaide, where he took 1/53 in a game India lost by 10 wickets.

The veteran off-spinner reportedly informed his teammates about his decision individually, leaving many in shock. While Ashwin himself has not explicitly stated these reasons, the reports underline the physical and professional challenges that may have influenced his abrupt retirement.