Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Rohit Sharma have joined the cricketing fraternity in celebrating the illustrious career of Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. The veteran off-spinner, renowned for his wizardry with the ball and invaluable contributions with the bat, called time on a storied career spanning over a decade.
Sachin Tendulkar, the “God of Cricket,” took to social media to honour Ashwin’s achievements. On X (formerly Twitter), Sachin wrote, “Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win.”
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“Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been wonderful. Your journey shows that true greatness lies in never being afraid to experiment and evolve. Your legacy will inspire one and all. Wishing you all the very best for your 2nd innings,” he added.
Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win.
Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been… pic.twitter.com/XawHfacaUh— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 18, 2024
Rohit Sharma also paid an emotional tribute to Ashwin through an Instagram post. The Indian skipper reflected on their shared memories and Ashwin’s monumental impact on the game.
“We’ve played together for so many years and created so many memories which I’ll cherish forever. You’ve been a match-winner since match one and left a lasting impression on all the young bowlers coming through the ranks. You are a true OG and legend of Indian and world cricket, and this team will miss having you. Wishing the best to you and your lovely family for what lies ahead,” Rohit penned.
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Ashwin announced his decision at the end of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which ended in a rain-soaked draw in Brisbane. His career concludes with remarkable statistics: 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests after Anil Kumble. His all-round brilliance included six Test centuries and 14 fifties.
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Ashwin’s retirement had been anticipated after visuals showed an emotional Ashwin sharing a heartfelt embrace with Virat Kohli during the rain delay. His legacy extends beyond Tests, with significant contributions in ODIs and T20Is, including India’s victories in the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.
A cornerstone of India’s home dominance, Ashwin’s legacy is cemented as one of the few all-rounders to achieve the double of 3,000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests, alongside a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards.
