Muralitharan Hails Ashwin's Unyielding Zeal for Knowledge Until His Final Match
Click to start listening
Mumbai, Dec 19 (NationPress) The most accomplished bowler in cricket history, Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, extolled fellow off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin of India on Wednesday, who has declared his retirement from international cricket, labeling him a source of inspiration for young cricketers. Ashwin concluded his international career with an impressive record of 537 wickets in 106 Tests, following the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Brisbane.
Ashwin's retirement places him as the second-highest wicket-taker for India, only behind Anil Kumble (619), an accomplishment that Murali acknowledged as remarkable.
"You should keep in mind that Ashwin began his journey as a batsman, experimenting with spin as a secondary skill. He quickly recognized that his aspirations in batting were not materializing and decided to refocus on bowling. I commend him for making that courageous shift and achieving such success. Reaching 500 Test wickets is no easy task," Muralitharan shared in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport (telecomasia.net).
Muralitharan, who concluded his Test career with 800 wickets in 133 matches, noted that he observed Ashwin during his formative years and regarded him as an insightful young talent with a keen desire to learn.
"I was nearing the end of my career when he emerged, but he impressed me as an intelligent young man eager for knowledge. He sought guidance, asked insightful questions, and dedicated himself to improving. This ambition and appetite for growth distinguish him," Murali stated, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport.
With 537 Test wickets to his credit, Ashwin stands as the seventh most successful bowler in Test cricket history and the second most successful off-spinner, following Murali. "To retire as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests is a remarkable achievement. Ashwin has made himself, Tamil Nadu cricket, and the entire nation proud. I wish him great success in his future endeavors," Murali expressed.
What resonated with Murali was Ashwin's unwavering passion for learning.
"Even as his career approached its conclusion, his enthusiasm for learning remained robust. Observe the variations he developed – a testament to the fact that he was not complacent. He consistently pushed his limits," the Sri Lankan icon concluded.
