'Sachin paaji left...': R Ashwin's farewell speech leaves Rohit Sharma and Co. teary-eyed - Watch

Ashwin's post-retirement speech hits hard. (Photo: X)

Emotions ran high in the Indian dressing room as Ravichandran Ashwin walked in for the final time on Wednesday. Following the conclusion of the third Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which ended in a draw in Brisbane, the veteran off-spinner shocked the cricketing world with an unexpected announcement. During the post-match press conference, Ashwin, alongside Rohit Sharma, revealed his decision to retire from international cricket.

As he returned to the dressing room, Ashwin was met with heartfelt congratulations from everyone he encountered. Australian players Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins presented him with a signed jersey as a gesture of goodwill and best wishes for his future. Inside the Indian camp, the players greeted the legendary spinner with thunderous applause. Young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, struggling to process the news, remarked, "I still can’t believe [that you are retiring]."

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“Don’t know how to go about this. It’s easier to speak in a team huddle," Ashwin said.

“Even though I'm not exhibiting it but it’s truly an emotional moment for me. Feels like it's 2011-12 when I made my first Australia tour. I saw the transition then, when Rahul Bhai, Sachin Paji left. But everybody's time comes, and today it was mine. I thoroughly enjoyed it, built some great relationships and friendships over the last four-five years notably. I'm leaving some of my teammates who have been playing with me dearly. Every passing year in the last four-five years I have felt how much more I have valued their relationship and them as a player," he added.

I'm just a call away: Ashwin to his teammates

The seasoned cricketer, with 104 Tests to his name, Ashwin stated that he would continue supporting his teammates for the remaining two matches of the series in Melbourne and Sydney. He assured them that he is “just a call away” if they ever need anything from him.

"I'll be taking a flight back home but I will be tuned in to watch how well you guys go in Melbourne. The international cricketer in me might have come to an end but the cricket in me will never [end]. I will be looking forward to each one of your performances. All the very best. If at all you guys need anything, I'm a call away. Thanks Rohit, thanks Virat, thanks Gauti Bhai… I'm so happy today," Ashwin concluded.