Gandhinagar [India]: Legendary Indian cricketer and former skipper Kapil Dev has expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of a grand farewell for Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated off-spinners. Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket, a decision that surprised many in the cricketing fraternity.
Ashwin revealed his decision to retire shortly after the conclusion of the drawn Brisbane Test on Wednesday. The announcement, made alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma at a post-match press conference, marked the end of an illustrious international career.
Reflecting on Ashwin’s retirement, Kapil Dev said, “The next generation must surpass the previous one for the game to move forward. We never thought anyone could come close to Sachin Tendulkar or Sunil Gavaskar, yet they did. Ashwin has been an exceptional cricketer, and I wish I had been present at this moment. I would have ensured he received a farewell filled with respect and joy.”
Ashwin’s retirement was met with emotional scenes, as he was embraced by Virat Kohli. However, the absence of a formal farewell ceremony has raised questions about the recognition of his immense contributions to Indian cricket.
Ashwin’s Remarkable Achievements
Over his career, Ashwin has established himself as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. In 106 Test matches, he took an astounding 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls. Additionally, he amassed 3,503 runs, showcasing his all-round abilities. He remains the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history and the second-highest for India, behind Anil Kumble. Globally, he ranks second in terms of five-wicket hauls in Tests, following Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan.
Ashwin was instrumental in India’s dominance in Test cricket, especially between 2014 and 2019, when the team rose to the top of the rankings.
In limited-overs cricket, Ashwin played 116 ODIs, taking 156 wickets with best figures of 4/25, and scored 707 runs. In 65 T20Is, he claimed 72 wickets with best figures of 4/8, alongside 184 runs. Across formats, he took a total of 765 international wickets, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble.
A Legacy to Inspire Generations
Ashwin’s illustrious career also includes being a part of India’s victorious campaigns in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His consistency, skill, and cricketing intelligence have left an indelible mark on the game.
The off-spinner’s retirement signals the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket, with Kapil Dev summing it up best: “He deserved a grand send-off, one befitting his incredible contributions. Ashwin’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.”
