Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, has retired from international cricket. The decision was taken after the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. Ashwin, a giant of Indian cricket, bid farewell to an incredible 14-year career that read 106 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 65 T20Is. The cricketing fraternity saluted the 38-year-old spinner with heartfelt tributes and celebration of his legacy.
Virat Kohli Leads Tributes as Ravichandran Ashwin Retires from International Cricket
Virat Kohli, Ashwin’s longtime teammate and former captain, has reacted to the retirement. “I have played with you for 14 years and when you told me that you are retiring, it made me emotional. All our years playing together came to my mind,” Kohli said on social media, praising Ashwin for his match-winning contributions to Indian cricket.
Dinesh Karthik praised Ashwin as “the best ever to have represented Tamil Nadu,” extolling his mastery with the ball and his quick cricketing brain. His fellow Tamil Nadu player, S. Badrinath, also sent warm greetings to Ashwin and called him a “wonderful ambassador of the Indian team.”
Former Cricketers and Coaches Pay Their Respects
Ravi Shastri, India’s previous coach, described Ashwin as a goldmine during his tenure. He said that Ashwin is skillful and possesses great craft. “Your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” tweeted the all-time leading Test wicket-taker for India, Anil Kumble. Harbhajan Singh, another legendary Indian spinner, said Ashwin “has been the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade.”
International Cricketing Fraternity Reacts
International figures, including Herschelle Gibbs, Ian Bishop, and Michael Vaughan, saluted Ashwin’s career. “Thank you, Ravi Ashwin. You taught, you educated, and you entertained,” tweeted Ian Bishop. Vaughan described Ashwin’s retirement as the end of an era, applauding his brilliance in both bowling and batting.
A Remarkable Career
Ashwin retires with 537 Test wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, making him one of the most successful bowlers in the game’s history. He is the only Indian cricketer to have combined over 500 wickets with six Test centuries. As a match-winner, Ashwin’s record in home conditions and against top opponents like Australia cemented his place as a modern-day great.
Indian Dressing Room Bids Farewell
Ajinkya Rahane remembered when he was standing at slip during Ashwin’s spells, saying, “Every ball felt like a chance waiting to happen.” Mohammad Kaif called Ashwin the “greatest Indian off-spinner” and said he deserved a grand farewell.
What’s Next for Ashwin
Ashwin may be retired from international cricket, but he would continue playing in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings and other domestic leagues. People will now look forward to seeing him in a different capacity, contributing to the game he loves.
With Ashwin taking a step back from the international stage, tributes like Gautam Gambhir’s echo the collective sentiment: “Generations of bowlers will say, ‘I became a bowler because of Ashwin.'” The cricket world bids farewell to one of its most cerebral and impactful players.
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