Kohli Honors Ashwin: A Legend of Indian Cricket
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Brisbane, Dec 18 (NationPress) Renowned Indian batsman Virat Kohli expressed his heartfelt admiration for retiring off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, highlighting that his skill and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are unparalleled.
Shortly after the conclusion of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane, which ended in a draw at the Gabba on Wednesday, Ashwin revealed in the post-match press conference his immediate retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year career for India across all formats. Ashwin is set to return to Chennai, even though there are two Tests remaining in the ongoing series against Australia.
"Having played alongside you for 14 years, hearing about your retirement today made me quite emotional. Memories of our journey together flooded my mind. I have cherished every moment spent with you, Ash. Your skill and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are truly unmatched, and you will forever be regarded as a legend in the sport," Kohli expressed on ‘X’.
"I wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and in all that lies ahead. With immense respect and affection for you and your loved ones, thank you for everything, my friend," Kohli added.
Ashwin concludes his illustrious career with 537 wickets at an average of 24 across 106 Tests, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker after the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. He also accumulated six Test centuries and 14 fifties. His last international appearance was during the day-night Test in Adelaide, where he recorded figures of 1-53.
"Congratulations on an outstanding career, old chap. You were an invaluable asset during my coaching tenure and contributed immensely to the game with your exceptional skill and artistry," former Indian cricketer and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri remarked on Instagram.
Ashwin participated in 116 ODIs for India, claiming 156 wickets, and also played 65 T20I matches, taking 72 wickets. The 38-year-old was honored with the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year awards in 2016 and was included in the ICC Test Team of the Decade (2011-2020).
In the Test arena, Ashwin emerged as one of the key match-winners during India’s 12-year home dominance and played a pivotal role in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia.
Ashwin stands among the elite 11 all-rounders who achieved the milestone of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. He also holds a record of 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, tying with Muttiah Muralitharan.
This spin-bowling all-rounder was a part of the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning squads, in addition to his participation in 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is.
