Harbhajan Praises Ashwin for Advancing Spin Bowling Tradition
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Brisbane, Dec 18 (NationPress) Ex-India spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his admiration for Ravichandran Ashwin as he retires from international cricket, noting that the off-spinner has significantly advanced the art of spin bowling.
Ashwin, aged 38, officially announced his retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of India's third Test match against Australia, which he did not participate in, ending in a draw at the Gabba in Brisbane.
"Congratulations, Ashwin, for a remarkable career—an extraordinary career, to be precise. You have elevated the tradition of spin bowling to new heights. You've motivated future generations. Thank you for your dedication, all the wickets, and everything you've contributed on the field. Congratulations on your journey, and I wish you the best moving forward. I look forward to seeing you often now," Harbhajan told Star Sports.
Ashwin concludes his illustrious 14-year international career with a total of 537 wickets at an average of 24 across 106 Tests, making him India's second-highest wicket-taker, trailing only the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. He also notched up six Test centuries and 14 fifties with the bat.
His final international appearance was during the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he recorded figures of 1-53 in 18 overs and scored 29 runs, as India suffered a ten-wicket defeat. Ashwin has also participated in 116 ODIs for India, claiming 156 wickets and being part of the victorious 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy teams. Additionally, he played in 65 T20Is and took 72 wickets.
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden, who was Ashwin's teammate in the IPL with the Chennai Super Kings, described the retiring off-spinner as an exceptionally smart cricketer, always dedicated to his task.
"He is a player who remains focused, constantly devising clever strategies. He possesses great confidence in his abilities. His personality can be polarizing among cricket fans, and even within his own team—he is quite a strong-willed individual. However, I personally wish Ashwin a fantastic retirement. I have been fortunate to share many bus rides on the way to the ground in Tamil Nadu, at the beautiful Chepauk Stadium, along with the Chennai Super Kings. As a young player nearing the end of my career, he would often seek my company.
"We would discuss the game—how he could counter the sweeper and the reasons behind my sweeping technique. It was, in many respects, a transfer of knowledge, similar to what I experienced with Bishan Bedi years ago. He is a wonderful individual and a delightful character to play alongside," Hayden remarked.
Ashwin, now the seventh-highest wicket-taker in men's Test cricket history, has also received the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and Men's Test Cricketer of the Year awards in 2016. The Chennai-born cricketer was recognized in the ICC Test Team of the Decade 2011-20.
In Test matches, Ashwin was a key contributor to India's dominance at home over the past 12 years, playing a pivotal role in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia. He is one of only 11 all-rounders to achieve the milestone of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests and has won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, tying with Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka.
Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar recalled Ashwin's dedication to the national team, highlighting a memorable partnership with Hanuma Vihari during the third Test of the Australia series in 2021 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
"Yes, with Hanuma Vihari. He was suffering from a severe back spasm that left him almost immobile—his wife had to assist him in getting to the ground. This illustrates his determination when representing India. He refused to give up. He played with minimal mobility. His mental strength when playing for India has been remarkable," Gavaskar commented.
