To be a part of the Indian playing XI is the dream of every youngster aspiring to become a cricketer in India. However, only 11 players can make it to the playing XI. Due to the tough competition, it is rare to see any player being able to end his career on his own terms.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently became one of the few cricketers to end his career on his own terms. He announced retirement after the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia.
Ashwin made the announcement during the post-match press conference and immediately took a flight home to Chennai. Not many fans would know that Ashwin played his first match for India on June 5, 2010 against Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe. It was an ODI tri-series match, which India lost by six wickets.
The last appearance for Ashwin in the Indian jersey was during the second Test of the 2024/25 Test series against Australia. Here are two players who were a part of the Indian playing XI in Ashwin’s debut and last match.
1. Virat Kohli was a part of the Indian playing XI in both matches
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli batted at number three in Ashwin’s debut ODI match for India. He scored 68 runs in that game. After that, Kohli went on to become one of the greatest captains in Indian cricket history. He has stepped down as captain but still continues to be an important part of the team. Kohli scored 7 & 11 in Ashwin’s last appearance for India against Australia.
2. Rohit Sharma
Another experienced name to feature on this list is the current Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma. The Hitman was a youngster during Ashwin’s ODI debut against Sri Lanka. He batted at number five and scored a 40-ball 32. In Ashwin’s last game, he scored 3 & 6 while batting in the middle-order once again.
Fans should note that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from T20Is. They are only active in Tests and ODIs for the Indian team.
