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India Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently congratulated veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced retirement from international cricket last week after the Brisbane Test ended in a draw. The Indian PM in a two-page long letter congratulated the former Indian all-rounder on a celebrated 13-year-old career, which he called it quits in a surprising move on Wednesday, December 18.
With this move, Ashwin put an end to his legendary career, finishing only behind Anil Kumble (619) as India’s second highest wicket-taker with 537 scalps. Earlier in 2024, Ashwin became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 500 Test wickets mark.
PM Modi acknowledges Ashwin’s contribution in India criket after shocking retirement
The Indian Prime Minister, who is said to have shared a great camaraderie with the Indian cricket team over the last few years, took time to pen down his experience seeing R Ashwin on the field. Moreover, PM Modi expressed his surprise retirement announcement, comparing to an unexpected “carrom ball”.
“The announcement of your retirement from international cricket surprised fans in India and across the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everyone. However, everyone understands that this must have been a hard decision for you as well, especially after the outstanding career you have had playing for India,” PM Modi began in his two-page letter.
“Please accept my heartiest congratulations on a career that has been full of brilliance, hard work and putting the team above everything else. As you bid farewell to international cricket, jersey number 99 will be sorely missed. Cricket lovers will miss the sense of expectation they felt when you took to the crease to bowl - there was always a feeling that you were weaving a web around the opponents which would trap a victim any moment,” it further read.
The Indian Prime Minister further went on to congratulate the family of the veteran cricketer, writing, “As an ambassador of the game both on and off the field, you have made the nation and your family proud. I take this opportunity to congratulate your parents, your wife Prithi and your daughters as well. Their sacrifices and support, I am sure, have been crucial to your growth as a cricketer and as a person. I hope that you get to spend more time with them, something that you would have looked forward to all these years."
Ashwin called it time, reaching wuthering heights in his 13-year-long career. He has bagged a five-for in a Test innings 37 times, second only to Muttiah Muralidaran, who has 67 to his name. The off-spinner has also nabbed 10 wickets in a Test match on eight instances during his career, behind Muralidaran (22), Shane Warne (10), Sir Richard Hadlee and Rangana Herath (9) and equal to compatriot Anil Kumble. Moreover, the spin all-rounder has been adjudged Player of the Series 11 times during his Test career - joint-best alongside Muttiah Muralidaran.
