On Wednesday, December 18, after the Gabba Test, Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. After 14 years of playing for his country, Ravichandran Ashwin said goodbye after taking 765 wickets in 287 games.
In a message to the 38-year-old off-spinner, former India great Anil Kumble expressed his sadness that Ashwin had failed to surpass his Test cricket record of 619 wickets. He called the player, who was born in Chennai, a champion bowler and a team match-winner.
“Congratulations on an amazing career, Ash. You have represented India as a bowling and all-around winner. We will definitely miss you. Having to live with that type of expectation every day is not easy. Throughout your career, you have done it correctly. You have helped India win games, and Team India will definitely miss you. Personally, I’m a little bummed that you concluded your international career today. Although you have your reasons, I would have preferred to see you surpass 619,” Kumble remarked.
Watch the video below –
As @ashwinravi99 bids farewell to a legendary cricketing journey, the great Anil Kumble showers him with praise for his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket.#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test | THU, 26th DEC, 4:30 AM only on Star Sports 1! #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/raUzX823Fy
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 18, 2024
Indian cricket’s two spin masters are Anil Kumble and Ashwin.
Kumble and Ashwin were both excellent bowlers for the Indian squad in their heyday. Ashwin was only 82 wickets away from breaking Kumble’s record, which now stands as India’s top wicket-taker in Test matches. In red-ball cricket, the two have also taken a combined 72 five-wicket hauls.
In terms of India’s highest wicket-takers, Ashwin comes in second. With 953 international wickets, Kumble leads Ashwin, who has 765 wickets.