Luminaries from the world of cricket on Wednesday doffed their hats to “all-time great” Ravichandran Ashwin after he introduced his retirement from worldwide cricket, leaving the sport a bit of poorer after enriching it by means of a wonderful profession. Longtime India teammate Virat Kohli penned an emotional tribute, recalling their “14 years of camaraderie”, present coach Gautam Gambhir hailed his affect on future generations, and Ajinkya Rahane reminisced how his each ball felt like a wicket-taking supply as he stood at slip .
“I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me,” Kohli posted in X.
I’ve performed with you for 14 years and once you advised me immediately you are retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all these years taking part in collectively got here to me. I’ve loved each little bit of the journey with you ash, your ability and match successful contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024
Ashwin, 38, introduced his determination in the course of the press meet in Gabba that occurred after the third Test between India and Australia resulted in a draw.
Earlier within the day, Kohli was seen embracing the off-spinner following a prolonged dialog within the dressing room as Ashwin wiped his eyes, sparking speculations on his retirement.
“I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.
“Wish you nothing however the very best in your life with your loved ones and every little thing else that it unfolds for you. With large respect and plenty of like to you and your shut ones. Thanks for every little thing buddy,” Kohli added.
With 765 international scalps in his bag, Ashwin is the second-highest wicket-taker from India after Anil Kumble.
Ashwin has taken 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Test matches. He is also seventh on the overall list of wicket-takers.
“The privilege of seeing you develop from a younger bowler to a legend of recent cricket is one thing that I would not commerce for the world! I do know that generations of bowlers to come back will say that I grew to become a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will likely be missed brother,” Gambhir mentioned.
The privilege of seeing you develop from a younger bowler to a legend of recent cricket is one thing that I would not commerce for the world! I do know that generations of bowlers to come back will say that I grew to become a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will likely be missed brother! @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024
Former India coach Ravi Shastri hailed Ashwin’s craft and contribution to Indian cricket.
“Hey Ash, congratulations on a magnificent career, old boy. You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft. God bless,” wrote Shastri who’s now doing commentary within the five-match sequence.” India’s highest wicket-taker Anil Kumble lauded Ashwin on his illustrious career.
“Your journey has been nothing in need of extraordinary! With over 700 worldwide wickets and a eager cricketing thoughts, you might be one of many most interesting to have graced the sphere. Congratulations on a stellar profession, and here is to an excellent brighter future off the sphere! ” wrote Kumble.
Rahane, who often stood at slip to Ashwin, recalled his sharpness as a bowler who kept the batters guessing with his clever variations.
“Standing at slip was by no means a boring second with you bowling, each ball felt like an opportunity ready to occur. All the very best on your subsequent chapter!” exclaimed Rahane.
Harbhajan Singh, who is the fourth highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, praised Ashwin’s consistency.
“Your ambition as a check cricketer was admirable. Well finished for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for greater than a decade. Be very happy with your achievements and hopefully see you extra usually now,” Harbhajan posted in X.
Yuvraj Singh also celebrated Ashwin’s grit and adaptability.
“Well performed Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs round the very best on the planet to standing tall in robust conditions, you’ve got been an actual asset to the workforce. Welcome to the opposite facet!” remarked Yuvraj.
Former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik hailed Ashwin as a “GOAT” and the best cricketer from Tamil Nadu.
“A GOAT retires. Well finished on what’s been an excellent profession. Proud to have performed with you and positively the best ever to have performed from TAMILNADU. Much love and revel in some leisurely time with household and mates.” Former India batsmen Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif also joined the chorus in hailing Ashwin’s legacy, one of the sharpest cricket minds.
The international cricket community also reacted to Ashwin’s decision from the game.
“Only one on the checklist with six Test 100s,” wrote former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs.
Ashwin (537 wickets) finished fourth in the list of highest wicket-takers in Test cricket behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619).
“Glad you got here, and that you just had been part of the worldwide recreation for therefore lengthy, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and also you entertained,” said former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop.
“Thanks Ashwin. Have cherished watching you play for India,” posted former England skipper Michael Vaughan.
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