Who said what - top 5 expert reactions to R Ashwin's retirement from international cricket ft. Dinesh Karthik
Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin announced a shocking retirement from international cricket on Wednesday (December 18). It all happened following the conclusion of the third Border Gavaskar Test (BGT) 2024-25 Test between India and Australia in Gabba.
Ashwin leaves behind an everlasting legacy, where he emerged as India's biggest match-winner in the longest format. He bagged 537 wickets in 106 Tests, with 37 five-wicket hauls. He ends his career as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the longest format. Moreover, the 38-year-old also scored 3,503 runs, while registering six centuries.
Ashwin did well in the white-ball formats as well, picking up 230 wickets in 181 games. His last ODI appearance came in the 2023 World Cup against Australia, where he finished with figures of 1/34 in 10 overs.
On that note, let's take a look at the few expert reactions on Ravichandran Ashwin drawing curtains on his illustrious career.
#1 Sunil Gavaskar
Former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar was surprised by Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire in the middle of the series. Gavaskar thinks the 38-year-old could have been a key contributor for the team in Sydney, where the surface offers support to spinners.
When asked if Ashwin timed his retirement perfectly, Gavaskar said (via Sports Today):
"At the end of the day, the person himself knows whether he's got it in him. You could possibly have the ability still there, but mentally you might not be wanting a battle. Therefore, Ashwin, who is an intelligent person, took the call. He did not really have the drive to play international cricket. In Melbourne and Sydney, his bowling and batting could have been handy."
Gavaskar also claimed that Ashwin would have gone on to surpass Anil Kumble's record of 619 scalps in Test cricket.
#2 Dinesh Karthik
Ravichandran Ashwin's former teammate Dinesh Karthik shed light on the spinner's glorious international career. Karthik thinks Ashwin outfoxed the batters with his clever tactics and kept on adding new skills to his armory.
"He is the greatest ever cricketer to come out from Tamil Nadu. I saw him when he was playing U14, and he was a one-trick pony. He could just bowl fast and flat. From there to becoming an absolute geek and scientist that' they all call him because of how he is able to innovate and change things in the middle of the game or series. He sets the bar very high for himself," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Further, Karthik opined that Ashwin still had it in him to continue representing India for a couple of home seasons.
"Ashwin is arguably one of the finest spinners going around in any of the formats. He could have easily been a part of a couple of home seasons. I think he's taken the decision at the right time. He is back to his home franchise, CSK as well," he added.
#3 Harbhajan Singh
In an interaction on Star Sports, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh hailed Ravichandran Ashwin as the legend of the game. 'Turbanator' said on Star Sports:
"A big news of course. A top bowler, a legend, who's done really well, taken many wickets and won a lot of games for India. I just want to wish him all the luck and love for his new chapter."
Harbhajan also took to X to applaud Ashwin on his stellar international career and helping India achieve much success since the last decade.
He wrote:
"Congratulations on a phenomenal cricket career. Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now."
#4 Michael Vaughan
Former England captain Michael Vaughan shared his thoughts on Ravichandran Ashwin during his commentary on FOX Sports. In particular, Vaughan lauded Ashwin for his carrom balls and ability to secure wickets in all conditions.
“I’m going to miss his bowling, that flight, carrom balls, his abilities to bowl in all conditions … (in India) a batter has got no chance when you’re facing that quality," he said.
Vaughan also praised Ashwin on X, tweeting:
"Thanks @ashwinravi99. Have loved watching you play for India ..👍"
#5 Parthiv Patel
In an interaction on Cricbuzz, former Indian keeper Parthiv Patel lauded Ravichandran Ashwin for leading the spin attack for a number of years. Specifically, Patel pointed out that Ashwin's game also evolved as the years progressed. He said:
"He has been a big match-winner for the Indian team. We can say it's the end of an era. He led the Indian spin bowling attack in India as well as on foreign soil. The way which he has been adding tricks to his armory, he is also called as a scientist. He has shown how to evolve in all areas."
Parthiv further praised the batting prowess of Ashwin, which helped the team to get back on track after setbacks. He said:
"Whenever India needed wickets, the captains trusted Ashwin and he never disappointed. He has bailed out the team from a precarious situation with the bat on many occasions as well. Salute to his career and being India's flag bearer in Test cricket."