Picture Credit: X
On Wednesday, December 18, cricketing fraternity across border was left in shock after Indian veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin called it quits. The decision from the 38-year-old came soon after the third Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) ended in a draw as India chased the 275-run target with 54 overs remaining in the day.
Although, the 38-year-old’s decision came midway through the BGT Test series, with this he brought an end to his 13-year-old career for India where he finished as the second highest wicket-taker (537 wickets), sitting only behind Anil Kumble’s tally of 619. As he called “today as last day as an international cricketer”, members of cricketing fraternity also expressed their gratitude.
Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, among other members expresse gratitude as Ashwin retires from international cricket
Soon after Ashwin called it time on his international cricket, members of the Indian cricketing fraternity in no time flooded social media, heaping praise on the veteran Indian all-rounder. Former India captain and batting stalwart Virat Kohli, who shared a brief hug with Ashwin in the dressing room, hinting at a retirement announcement took to X to recall his time of having played across 14 years. “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. 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 but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy.❤️ ���� @ashwinravi99” he captioned a post on X.
Ajinkya Rahane, Dinesh Karthik, Gautam Gambhir, among several others also took to social media to hail Ashwin’s efforts with the ball as well as bat for the Indian cricket team. “Congratulations on an incredible journey, @ashwinravi99! Standing at slip was never a dull moment with you bowling, every ball felt like a chance waiting to happen. All the best for your next chapter!” Rahane wrote on X.
