BCCI Honors Ashwin: A Legacy of Mastery, Wizardry, and Brilliance
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Brisbane, Dec 18 (NationPress) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed a heartfelt tribute to retiring off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, declaring that his name will remain forever associated with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation in the sport.
Shortly after the third Test match in Brisbane concluded in a draw on Wednesday, Ashwin revealed during the post-match press conference his immediate retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to his remarkable 14-year career representing India across all formats.
“Thank You Ashwin. A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation. The exceptional spinner and invaluable all-rounder for #TeamIndia announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99,” stated the BCCI on its X account.
Following the announcement of Ashwin’s retirement, social media platform X became flooded with tributes honoring the veteran spinner. “The privilege of witnessing your evolution from a young bowler to a modern cricket legend is something I would never trade! I am certain that future generations of bowlers will say they became bowlers because of Ashwin! You will be greatly missed, brother! @ashwinravi99,” commented India head coach Gautam Gambhir on ‘X’.
Ashwin concludes his career with an impressive tally of 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests, making him India’s second-leading wicket-taker behind the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. He also recorded six Test centuries and 14 half-centuries with the bat. His final international appearance was during the day-night Test in Adelaide, where he claimed 1-53.
“Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on an extraordinary cricket career. Your commitment as a Test cricketer was commendable. Thank you for being the flagbearer of Indian spin for over a decade. Take pride in your achievements, and I hope to see you more frequently now,” remarked former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.
“An absolute match-winner, @ashwinravi99! Retiring as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket is truly monumental. Coupled with his invaluable batting contributions, he stands as one of the game’s most solid all-rounders. Well done, Ash!” wrote former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
Ashwin has also participated in 116 ODIs for India, taking 156 wickets, and was part of the teams that won the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Additionally, he played 65 T20I matches, capturing 72 wickets.
“A GOAT retires. Congratulations on what has been a remarkable career. Proud to have played alongside you, and undoubtedly the greatest to have represented TAMILNADU. @ashwinravi99 Much love and enjoy some leisure time with family and friends,” wrote former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik.
“Well done @ashwinravi99! Concluding a great long journey with grace and poise. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing your progression, and I commend you for maintaining your free spirit. Best of luck in your future endeavors. #legendcallsitaday,” commented former India cricketer WV Raman.
Throughout his Test career, Ashwin was a pivotal figure in the Indian team's sustained dominance at home for 12 years and played an instrumental role in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia. He is among just 11 all-rounders to achieve the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests and holds a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, tying him with Muttiah Muralitharan.
