Legendary cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all forms of International cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia which was being played at the Gabba in Brisbane, on December 18 (Wednesday). Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir penned down an emotional note for the veteran player who called curtains on an iconic 14-year-long career after the third Test ended in a draw.
Gautam Gambhir on Ashwin
"The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother," Gambhir wrote from his official 'X' account formerly known as Twitter.
Ashwin on retirement
"This will be my last day as an Indian cricket in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me in a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I've created a lot of memories alongside Rohitt and several of my teammates," Ashwin said at the press conference.
"Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank. But, I would be failing in my duty if I didn't thank the BCCI and the rest of the teammates. I want to name a few of them and all the coaches -- Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya and Pujara who have taken all those catches in the slips to help me get those wickets. Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team. They have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed playing alongside them. I won't be taking any questions, but certainly, it's a very emotional moment," he added.
Ashwin who will go down in history as one of the greatest all-rounders to don the Indian jersey has 765 International wickets and is the second-highest wicket-taker for India at the biggest level after Anil Kumble. Ashwin has 537 Test, 156 ODIs, and 72 T20I wickets to his name.
He has also amassed 4394 runs while batting which also include 6 centuries and 15 fifties. This is just a mere representation of what Ashwin has achieved in the game. His contribution to the Indian team will always be remembered and something that can never be replaced.
