The cricketing world has been abuzz with tributes for Ravichandran Ashwin following his retirement, marking the end of an illustrious 14-year international career. Among the heartfelt messages from teammates and admirers, Washington Sundar’s homage to his mentor stood out, reflecting the deep bond shared between the two Tamil Nadu spinners.
Sundar’s Emotional Message for Ashwin
Washington Sundar, often regarded as Ashwin’s protégé, expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt note shared on social media. Acknowledging Ashwin as more than just a teammate, Sundar wrote, “Ash anna, you have been an inspiration, a mentor, and a true champion of the game.”
Ashwin, known for his wit and warmth, responded with equal affection on platform X (formerly Twitter). He referred to Sundar’s brief but impactful speech during a private farewell gathering, calling it the “best two minutes.” Adding a touch of humor, Ashwin used the phrase “Thupakkiya pudinga washiii!”—a line from the 2024 Tamil blockbuster The Greatest of All Time starring Vijay, which loosely translates to “Hold the gun.”
Big Shoes to Fill for Sundar
As Ashwin steps away after claiming an incredible 765 wickets across all formats and contributing significantly with the bat, the spotlight now turns to Washington Sundar. At just 25, Sundar has already shown promise as an all-rounder capable of excelling in both batting and spin bowling. His resilience at the crease and ability to deliver under pressure have drawn comparisons to his mentor.
Ashwin’s public vote of confidence in Sundar as his potential successor underscores the faith the cricketing fraternity has in the young spinner. India, looking to rebuild its spin arsenal, sees Sundar as a pivotal figure in the team’s future.
Looking Ahead: Boxing Day Test in Melbourne
India’s next challenge comes in the Boxing Day Test match against Australia in Melbourne on December 26. With Sundar likely to feature as one of the team’s key all-rounders, the upcoming series will be an opportunity for him to step up and carry forward Ashwin’s legacy.
As Sundar embarks on this journey, the support and guidance from Ashwin serve as a powerful reminder of the strong bonds within Indian cricket. The torch has been passed, and Sundar has all the tools to shine as India’s next premier spinner.
