Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been among the biggest cricket news in recent days. The veteran off-spinner signed off on a glorious international career after the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba.
Ashwin's retirement not only took the cricketing world by surprise, but also Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recently, PM Modi expressed his gratitude and congratulated Ashwin for a brilliant career spanning 14 years.
Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Ravichandran Ashwin and recalled his many achievements in various formats in international cricket. He paid a heartfelt tribute to the former India spinner for his contribution to Indian cricket.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembers Ravichandran Ashwin
According to news agency IANS, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Ravichandran Ashwin and congratulated him on a wonderful career. He expressed his surprise, as did others in the cricketing world.
“The announcement of your retirement from international cricket has surprised fans in India and around the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more breaks, you bowled a carom ball that got everyone going,” Narendra Modi wrote.
“However, everyone understands that this must have been a tough decision for you too, especially after the extraordinary career you had playing for India,” he added.
Narendra Modi talks about Ravichandran Ashwin's records
PM Modi further recalled the various records created by Ashwin during his career. He also spoke about the player's impact in his Test debut and also during India's ODI World Cup win in 2011.
“Every one of the 765 international wickets you have taken in all formats has been special. Holding the record for the most player of the series awards in Test matches shows the impact you have had on the team's success in Tests over the years.”
“As a young prospect, you took five wickets on Test debut and went on to be part of the ODI World Cup winning team in 2011. Until you bowled the team to victory in the last over of the Champions. Trophy in 2013, you have become a key member of the team.”
“Later, you played a crucial role as a senior in the team through multiple victories in all formats of the game. As a player who was the ICC Cricketer of the Year, you have also earned international recognition and universal respect,” PM Modi. elaborated.
Narendra Modi recalls Ravichandran Ashwin's famous dismissal in T20 World Cup 2022
PM Modi went on to talk about Ashwin's famous dismissal during the T20 World Cup 2022 which won India a thriller against Pakistan. He also remembered Ashwin's commitment even in adverse situations in his life.
“Many times people are remembered for a wonderful shot they played. But you have the unique distinction of being remembered for both a hit and a layoff in the legendary WT20 match in 2022. Your winning hit drew huge cheers.”
“The way you left the ball in front of her, allowing it to become a wide ball, showed your presence of mind. Even in moments of adversity, your sincerity and commitment came to the fore.”
“We all remember the way you flew back to contribute to the team even when your mother was in hospital and the time you continued to play against South Africa even when you couldn't get in touch with your family in during the Chennai floods,” he explained. .
In a tense situation during the match against Pakistan, when India needed two runs from the last ball, Ashwin left a ball from Mohammad Nawaz for a wide ball. The veteran then smashed a four over half to win the match for his side.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the great cricketing mind of Ravichandran Ashwin
PM Modi also hailed Ashwin's adaptability and performances across formats and his great cricketing mind and even claimed that his knowledge as an engineer helped him in cricket as well.
“As we observe your career, your flexibility and adaptability stand out. The way you adapted your approach to suit different game formats was an asset to the team. I wonder if your education as an engineer helped you with the meticulous and detail-oriented approach you are famous for.”
“Many analysts and peers have praised your sharp cricket brain. I am confident that such knowledge will be useful to the youth of future generations,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Narendra Modi congratulates the family of Ravichandran Ashwin
Finally, the Prime Minister congratulated the family of Ravichandran Ashwin for his extraordinary career and saluted their sacrifices over the years. Hope to see them soon and get to know them closely in the future.
“As an ambassador of the game, both on and off the field, you have done your nation and family proud. I take this opportunity to congratulate your parents, your wife Prithi and your daughters. I'm sure their sacrifices and support have been instrumental in your growth as a cricketer and as a person.”
“I hope you get to spend more time with them, something you've been looking forward to all these years. May you find ways to continue to contribute to the game you love dearly. Once again, my sincerest congratulations on an illustrious career and best wishes for the future,” PM Modi concluded.
Ravichandran Ashwin retires as India's second most successful bowler in Test cricket after Anil Kumble. Ashwin finished with 537 Test wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24. He also holds the record for the highest Test wicket-taker.
Apart from taking plenty of wickets, Ashwin also contributed 3503 runs in Tests at an average of 25.75. He has scored six hundreds in Test cricket and his contributions in the batting down the stretch have mostly come when India needed them.
PM Modi congratulates R Ashwin for stellar career through letter.
~ “When everyone was looking forward to many strange breaks, you threw a CARROM BALL that made them all.”😂👌“People are remembered for their knocks but you will be remembered for a leave in T20 WC 2022″😂 pic.twitter.com/6WFDxbjDmX
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) December 22, 2024