"You bowled a carrom ball that bowled everyone" - PM Narendra Modi pens emotional letter to R Ashwin post off-spinner's retirement
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has penned an emotional letter thanking Team India spinner and all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin for his contributions to the sport of cricket. Ashwin announced his retirement on Wednesday, December 18.
Narendra Modi has often sent letters to athletes on achieving exemplary feats and also thanked former sportspersons when they retired. One such letter was sent to Ashwin which highlighted some of his achievements during his 14-year-long international career.
In a two-page letter sent to the cricketer's residence, the prime minister mentioned that he too was taken aback by the surprise call of the 38-year-old's retirement. The letter read:
"The announcement of your retirement from international cricket surprised fans in India and across the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everyone. However, everyone understands that this must have been a hard decision for you as well, especially after the outstanding career you have had playing for India."
The letter also shed light on Ashwin's performances for Team India such as his marathon knock at Sydney in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 and his famous leave against Pakistan at the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which helped Team India win the match. The letter continued:
"You have showcased your all-round prowess by scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same match many times. With the bat in hand, too, you have given our nation many memories, including the brave match-saving innings in Sydney in 2021. Often people are remembered for some wonderful shot that they played."
"But you have the unique distinction of being remembered for both a shot and a leave in the legendary match of the WT20 in 2022. Your winning shot elicited great cheers. The way you left the ball before it, allowing it on its way to becoming a wide ball, showed your presence of mind."
"I hope that you will continue to post 'Kutti Stories' on cricket, sports and life in general" - PM Narendra Modi to Ravichandran Ashwin
Continuing the letter, PM Narendra Modi spoke about how Ashwin's personality was reflected in his YouTube channel, where he shares stories and nuances of the game in the series, 'Kutti Stories'.
"The wit and warmth that you bring to your conversations have been appreciated by fans. I hope that you will continue to post 'Kutti Stories' on cricket, sports and life in general," the letter read.
At the end of the letter, PM Modi thanked Ashwin and his family and congratulated him on a stellar career. Ashwin retires with 765 wickets across formats, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker for India and 11th-highest overall in the sport.