Ravichandran Ashwin’s, one of India’s greatest cricketers, has retired from international cricket. He ended a stellar career as the nation’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Ashwin, known for his exceptional spinner skills and vital contributions with the bat, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations of cricketers.

The 37-year-old debuted in 2011 and quickly became a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. Over the years, Ravichandran Ashwin’s amassed an impressive 489 Test wickets, second only to Anil Kumble in India’s all-time rankings. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart some of the best batsmen in the world earned him accolades across all formats.

Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His sharp mind and innovative bowling strategies often made the difference in crucial matches, particularly in Tests. Besides his bowling prowess, Ashwin contributed significantly as a lower-order batsman, scoring five Test centuries.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricket in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me in a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohitt and several of my teammates,” Ashwin said at the press conference.

“Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank. But, I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the rest of my teammates. I want to name a few of them and all the coaches — Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara who have taken all those catches in the slips to help me get those wickets.”

Ashwin also thanked the Australian cricket team for being fierce competitors over the years.

“Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team. They have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed playing alongside them.

“I won’t be taking any questions, but certainly, it’s a very emotional moment.”

Speculation about his retirement was rife after he was seen hugging former captain Virat Kohli in the dressing room at Gabba during a rain interruption on Wednesday. Ashwin and Kohli had an intense chat in the dressing room, leading to rumors on social media.

Ashwin ensured the rumors did not stay for long as he confirmed the call right after the third Test ended in a draw.

India’s WTC Final chances are at risk as rain continues to affect the Brisbane Test against Australia. With the ICC World Test Championship qualification at stake, this match plays a pivotal role in deciding India’s pathway to the final. Rain interruptions have hindered Australia’s push to enforce the follow-on, giving India a potential lifeline.

Australia took an early lead in the match, showcasing dominant performances with both bat and ball. However, persistent rainfall has disrupted their plans to finish the game strongly. For India, the inclement weather has provided a much-needed opportunity to recover and aim for a draw, which is crucial for keeping their WTC hopes alive.

Currently, Australia sits comfortably at the top of the WTC standings (India’s WTC Final chances), while India faces mounting pressure to secure crucial points. Analysts have pointed out that India’s first-innings batting collapse has only made their road to the final tougher. A draw in Brisbane would offer India some relief, but subsequent matches will demand consistent victories to secure a spot in the WTC Final.

As rain continues to impact the game, both teams face uncertainty, with the result holding significant implications for the WTC standings. Fans eagerly await the resolution of this rain-affected clash.

Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, has witnessed a strong box office performance on its second day, continuing the momentum from the highly anticipated release. The film’s gripping action, intense drama, and engaging story have captivated audiences, leading to an increase in viewership. The movie’s fanbase and strong word-of-mouth promotion contributed significantly to its success. Industry experts believe that Pushpa 2 is on track to surpass its day 1 collections, setting the stage for an even stronger run in the coming weeks.

The film’s success can also be attributed to the compelling performances by the cast and director Sukumar’s distinctive style of filmmaking. Pushpa 2 has been widely praised for its rich cinematic experience, offering a perfect mix of action and emotion. The chemistry between Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna adds to the film’s appeal.

With its promising start, Pushpa 2 is expected to continue attracting large crowds, reinforcing the film’s potential to achieve significant milestones at the box office. Fans eagerly await the unfolding journey of Pushpa Raj, with expectations rising for the film’s long-term success.