“I’d have wanted to see you go beyond 619” - Anil Kumble disappointed over R Ashwin’s retirement after BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Ex-Indian spinner Anil Kumble has expressed his disappointment after Ravichandran Ashwin announced his sudden retirement from international cricket. The former captain said he wished for the off-spinner to cross his wickets tally in Test cricket.
Following the third Test between Australia and India in Brisbane, Ashwin joined Rohit Sharma in a press conference to announce that he is bidding farewell to international cricket. With 537 scalps, the 38-year-old sits only behind Kumble (619) for most wickets for India in Tests.
In a video posted by ESPNcricinfo, the former leg-spinner said Ashwin will be missed, given his consistent all-round exploits for India. However, Kumble stated that he respects the veteran's decision to call it a day.
"Congratulations, Ash, on a fantastic career," he said. "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. 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."
The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer made his Test debut in 2011 and finishes as India's most prolific off-spinner. Having also peeled off six centuries in the format, he was one of the chief reasons behind India's unbeaten streak at home from 2012-2024.
"Here’s to a fantastic career that you’ve had for India" - Anil Kumble to Ravichandran Ashwin
The 54-year-old hopes for Ashwin's second chapter to be as prolific as his first and added (as per the aforementioned source):
"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."
Ashwin was also part of the squad that registered back-to-back series wins over Australia in their own backyard.