Legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar said the legacy of retired off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will continue to inspire one and all while expressing his admiration for how the Chennai-based cricketer approached the game with mind and heart in perfect sync.
Ashwin, 38, announced his decision to retire from international cricket with immediate effect after India's third Test against Australia, a game he was not selected for, ended in a draw at the Gabba, Brisbane.
"Ashwin, I have always admired the manner in which you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. You always found a way to get that crucial run, even when perfecting the carrom ball."
"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," wrote Tendulkar in his post on 'X'.
Ashwin ends his 14-year international career with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests and becomes India's second leading wicket-taker after the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble, including an incredible 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, the second-most in the history of the game, along with eight ten-wicket hauls.
BCCI President Roger Binny paid tribute to Ashwin's stellar international career. "Ashwin's brilliance has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket's success over the years. From being a prodigious talent to becoming one of the greatest off-spinners in cricketing history, his achievements are a source of immense pride."
"He redefined spin bowling and always sought to stay ahead of the curve. Ashwin is a perfect role model for young cricketers. I thank him for his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket."
Ashwin also scored six Test centuries and 14 fifties with the bat. His last game in international cricket was the day-night Test against Australia at Adelaide, where he claimed 1-53 from his 18 overs and also made 29 runs batting as India went down by 10 wickets. Ashwin is retiring with an impressive haul of 115 Test wickets against Australia and 114 against England. What's remarkable is that he has 115 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy-the second-highest in the history of the contest.
"Ashwin's journey is a testimony to the heights that dedication and passion can achieve. He has been one of those players who, at least on the battlefield, would think ahead of the game. That is one terrific asset to Indian cricket," added Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President. His attitude towards the game, along with his brilliant skills, has made him one of the most respected cricketers of his generation. I congratulate him on an outstanding career," he said.
Ashwin also played 116 ODIs for India, taking 156 wickets, and being a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning teams. Ashwin also played 65 T20I matches and took 72 wickets.
Ashwin was one of 11 all-rounders to achieve the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. He also won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, which is level with Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.
"Ashwin has been a game-changer in every sense. Whether it was his magical spells on the field or his insightful discussions off it, he brought something truly special to Indian cricket."
His ability to reinvent himself, develop new bowling variations, and consistently perform at the highest level makes him a true legend. His extraordinary career serves as an example for future generations of cricketers who will undoubtedly look up to him as an ideal role model," concluded BCCI acting secretary Devajit Saikia.
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