Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has shown surprise at the announcement of R Ashwin, who confirmed that he was retiring from international cricket. Ashwin’s announcement came after the third BGT 2024 Test ended in a draw due to rain.
R Ashwin retires as the second-highest Test wicket-taker for India, with 537 scalps in 106 Tests, just behind Anil Kumble’s haul of 619 wickets.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was also there at the Gabba when the 38-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Singh, who is fourth in India's Test wickets chart with 417, heaped admiration on Ashwin after the victory in Brisbane.
“Well obviously, it was a bit of surprising news for me that suddenly Ravichandran Ashwin retires not only from Test cricket but from across the formats. I think a big news. Of course, A big news, of course a top bowler. A legend who has done well for India. And taken many wickets for India. Won a lot of games for India. I got to wish him all the luck for his new chapter, Whatever he will do, he will do his best. So wish him all the luck,” Harbhajan told Star Sports.
During his 13-year Test career, which began against the West Indies in Delhi in 2011, Ashwin took 537 wickets at an average of 24 and a strike rate of 50.7. Ashwin is the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test match history, and he is currently the most successful off-spinner in Tests.
Ashwin also picked 156 wickets in 116 ODIs and 72 wickets in 65 T20I matches for India.
Nathan Lyon, an Australian off-spinner, is now the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Test match history, with 533 wickets, and is anticipated to surpass Ashwin's record. The Australian off-spinner described Ashwin as 'the best spinner of our period'.
“Shocked. I think Ashwin has been someone who we all looked up to in bowling. While this fellow here (Pointing to Harbhajan) Bowling off-breaks. He has been incredible for our craft. And he has been able to do that all around the world. So bit of shock news. But all I can say is thank you to Ravi for what he has brought to the game of cricket. He has been a fierce competitor. Someone whom I loved competing against. He has been arguably the best spinner of our era,” Lyon told Star Sports.
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