Fans pay tribute as R Ashwin announces retirement after BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
As the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test at The Gabba ended in a draw, big news came in from Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Decemmber 18. Fans shared their reactions online and honored the 38-year-old.
The veteran off-spinner and all-rounder was not a part of India's playing XI for The Gabba Test and therefore, played his final match in the previous Test in Adelaide. His decision to retire mid-way through the series has surprised everyone.
Fans have poured in tweets on X (formerly Twitter), paying tribute to one of India's greatest players, as he bids goodbye.
One fan highlighted Ashwin's feat of being the fastest bowler to 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 Test Wickets.
Another fan put up a tweet recalling the iconic moment when R Ashwin bowled the final over of the 2013 Champions Trophy final that India won against England.
"some call him a great spinner, some call him a great batter, some call him a magician, some call him a youtuber. but to me, he will always remain the greatest choreographer who made ms dhoni dance. peak ashwin era!," the tweet read.
Another user praised Ashwin for his 'all-round' abilities both on and off the field.
Another user, in their farewell tweet for R Ashwin, highlighted that he has the best average among the top 10 highest Indian wicket-takers.
"Farewell Ashwin. 765 wickets. At an avg of 25.80, The best avg among the Top 10 Indian highest wicket takers. And now an illustrious career in media awaits. Could be the most well accomplished yet great talker in the studio after Gavaskar. Well done!," the tweet read.
Below are some other tweets paying tribute to R Ashwin as he announced his retirement from international cricket.
R Ashwin ends international career with 765 wickets
R Ashwin ended his glorious career with 765 wickets across all three formats. The 38-year-old bagged 537 Test wickets at an average of 24.00 and an economy rate of 2.83.
In ODIs, Ashwin claimed 156 wickets at an average of 33.20 and an economy rate of 4.93 while in T20Is, he picked up 72 wickets at an average of 23.22 and an economy rate of 6.90.
Overall, Ashwin ended his career with 765 wickets across formats at an average of 25.80 and an impressive economy rate of 3.38.