India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on Wednesday (December 18).
The 38-year-old confirmed the decision, saying it was his last day as an Indian cricketer while addressing the media at the Gabba, where the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test ended in a draw.
Ashwin’s sudden call has shocked the entire cricket fraternity, including the legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, who feels the off-spinner deserved a fitting farewell.
“I was shocked by how one of India’s greatest cricketers chose to leave the game. The disappointment among the fans was widespread, but I also saw a tinge of hurt on his face. He looked unhappy, and that was sad. He deserved much better, a fitting farewell," Kapil was quoted as saying to PTI.
India’s 1983 World Cup-winning skipper also expressed his keenness to know what promoted Ashwin to call it quits in the middle of the Australia tour.
“He could have waited and announced his retirement on Indian soil, but I don’t know why Ashwin called it a day. I would want to hear his side of the story. Give him that respect. He has played 106 Tests for the country. I don’t think anyone can match his humongous contribution to Indian cricket."
Kapil hopes a “grand farewell" is arranged for Ashwin by the Indian board. “I’m sure the parent body of cricket in India, BCCI, shall plan a grand farewell for this giant match-winner of Team India," he said.
Ashwin represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats. He finished his career as the country’s second highest wicket-taker (537 scalps) in Test cricket, only behind Anil Kumble’s record tally of 619 dismissals. He was part of India’s 2011 World Cup triumph and 2013 Champions Trophy title win.
Sharing his thoughts on Ashwin the spinner, Kapil said: “He was ready to experiment, and that is what set him apart. In a game where the batters get the most accolades, Ashwin stood out with his prowess.”
“Ashwin was brave. He could bowl at any stage of the contest. Do you find bowlers with such tremendous tactical sense who can adapt quickly? He was his captain’s go-to man," he added.
Kapil also lauded Ashwin’s shrewd cricketing brain, adding that he was an unparallel match-winner in modern cricket.
“He has won India’s highest number of Man of the Series awards. That is a tremendous compliment that puts his game and consistency in perspective. He was not a “yes" man and came across as a gritty fighter.
“He was a rare spinner who could bowl with the new ball, just like Anil Kumble. Thank God I didn’t have to play alongside him. I would have lost my place to Ashwin.
“He could bat, bowl, field. He had the carrom ball, a superb slower one; if need be, he could pull out a leg-spinner too. Amazing. He could do everything possible on the cricket field," Kapil said.
“Only a champion is not insecure, and Ashwin was a champion. He has given us great joy. I wish him all the joy of the world," he remarked.
