December 18, 2024
Indian cricket bid farewell to one of its brightest stars, Ravichandran Ashwin, as the seasoned off-spinner announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. The emotional day saw a touching tribute from Virat Kohli, Ashwin’s teammate of 14 years, who shared heartfelt words reflecting on their shared journey and Ashwin’s immense contribution to Indian cricket.
Taking to his social media, Kohli expressed his admiration and gratitude for Ashwin:
“I’ve played with you for 14 years, and when you told me today, you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional. The flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. Your skill and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none, and you will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket. I wish you nothing but the best in life with your family and everything that unfolds for you. Thanks for everything, buddy.”
Kohli’s words highlighted the profound impact Ashwin has had on Indian cricket, both as a player and a teammate.
The End of an Era
Ashwin, who confirmed his retirement during a post-match press conference alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, remained humble as he reflected on his illustrious career. The 38-year-old chose not to dwell on personal achievements, instead focusing on the memories he created with his teammates.
“This is my last day as an international cricketer. I’ve had a lot of fun and made a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several teammates. We’re the last bunch of OGs, and I will mark this as the date of having played at this level,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin’s numbers speak volumes about his legacy. In 106 Test matches, he took an astonishing 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, while scoring 3,503 runs, featuring six centuries and 14 half-centuries. He also represented India in 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, taking 156 and 72 wickets, respectively.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
While his statistics are remarkable, Ashwin’s contributions extend far beyond the numbers. Known for his cricketing intellect and adaptability, he was a crucial figure in several of India’s historic victories. Whether it was his ability to spin a web around batters or his dogged determination as a lower-order batter, Ashwin’s presence on the field was invaluable.
Over the years, Ashwin forged a reputation as one of cricket’s sharpest minds, known for his innovative bowling and tactical acumen. He was also a mentor to younger players, sharing his knowledge and helping shape the next generation of Indian cricketers.
A Fond Farewell
The moment Ashwin’s retirement became official, emotions ran high in the Indian camp. Cameras captured a poignant moment between Kohli and Ashwin, as the former Indian skipper hugged the spinner, visibly moved by the announcement.
The duo’s bond, formed over years of shared victories and challenges, reflects the camaraderie that has been the hallmark of India’s golden era of cricket.
As Ashwin steps away from the international stage, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Indian cricket will be cherished forever.
From all of India and the cricketing world, thank you, Ravichandran Ashwin, for your extraordinary journey.
