“A true game-changer” - Singham Again actor reacts to Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement after 3rd BGT 24-25 Test
Team India's Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, December 18. He disclosed the decision following the side's Brisbane Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar (BGT) 2024-25 series against Australia.
Ashwin, one of India's most successful spinners, earned widespread praise for his illustrious career. The applause wasn't just limited to the cricketing fraternity as he was lauded by a few Bollywood actors as well.
Singham Again actor Arjun Kapoor posted an Instagram story reacting to Ashwin's retirement. Hailing the 38-year-old as "a true game-changer", he wrote:
"To the man who gave us moments to celebrate, matches to remember, and pride that can't be measured. Thank you, Aswhin, for being a true game-changer."
Ravichandran Ashwin's all-round capabilities will surely be missed, especially in red-ball cricket. Apart from his match-winning spells, he also chipped in with valuable contributions with the bat from time to time, finishing with six centuries and 14 fifties in Test cricket.
The crafty spinner was part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad and also played a pivotal role in the Men in Blue's 2013 ICC Champions Trophy triumph. Ashwin bagged 765 wickets across formats, the second-highest by an Indian bowler.
"Ravichandran Ashwin decided to go on his own terms" - Aakash Chopra on the ace spinner's retirement
Former India opener Aakash Chopra pointed out that Ravichandran Ashwin could have continued to play international cricket for a little longer. He emphasized that the star off-spinner drew curtains on his career on his own terms.
Speaking in a video shared on his YouTube channel, here's what the cricketer-turned-commentator said about Ashwin's retirement:
"He recently scored a hundred against Bangladesh. India were 144/6. It was probably the best century of his career. So he has actually said goodbye when everyone is saying he could have stayed back. Only the New Zealand series was not good."
"It's paramount that you leave when people ask why are you leaving. He did not go when people were asking when are you going. Ravichandran Ashwin decided to go on his own terms. He has been absolutely outstanding."
Ashwin will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He will be seen in action next year for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).