When Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, December 18, former India spinner Anil Kumble voiced his disappointment with the legendary player. However, Ashwin's retirement before exceeding Kumble's record of 619 Test wickets was the source of the upset. After India's third Test match against Australia finished in a tie at The Gabba, Ashwin announced the end of his international career. Rainfall was so bad on Day 5 that the match could not continue. The series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was still knotted at one each. The announcement of Ashwin's retirement that followed was nothing short of shocking.
Kumble on Ashwin
"Congratulations, Ash, on a fantastic career. You’ve been a champion bowler for India, a champion all-rounder for India. You’ll certainly be missed. It’s not that easy, carrying that kind of expectation day in and day out. You’ve done it right throughout your career. You’ve been a match-winner for India, and Team India will certainly miss you," Kumble said in a video shared by ESPNcricinfo.
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Ashwin's shocking retirement
As a compliment to Kumble, India's best wicket-taker in Test cricket, Ashwin had previously stated that he would retire as soon as he hit 618 wickets. But with 537 Test wickets at the end of his career, the veteran cemented his position as India's second-highest wicket-taker.
"I, for one, am a bit disappointed that you ended your career today at the international level. Ideally, I would have wanted to see you go beyond 619, but you have your reasons for that," Kumble added.
"All the best to you in your second chapter. And I am sure it will be as glorious as chapter one. So, Ash, here’s to a fantastic career that you’ve had for India. And congratulations once again. All the very best. Catch you soon," Kumble concluded.
Midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia on Wednesday, R Ashwin made the shocking decision to retire from international cricket. The rumours began to spread when Ashwin was spotted hugging Virat Kohli in the dressing room on Day 5 of the Gabba Test. He then accompanied Rohit Sharma to the post-match press conference, when he promptly declared his retirement and departed.
