File photo of PR Sreejesh© AFP

File photo of Harbhajan Singh (left) and Ravichandran Ashwin.© AFP

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has lauded recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin’s impact on the game, saying the veteran off-spinner always stood out for his remarkably sharp cricketing brain. Ashwin, 38, announced his sudden retirement from international cricket with immediate effect after India’s third Test against Australia, a game he was not selected for, ended in a draw at the Gabba, Brisbane. Ashwin ended his 14-year international career with 537 wickets at average of 24 in 106 Tests and becoming India’s second leading wicket-taker after legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. He also picked an incredible 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, the second-most in the history of the game, along with eight ten-wicket hauls.

“Well I must admit I’m really surprised to hear that Ravi Ashwin has retired. I mean he’s been such a fantastic stalwart of Indian cricket. His record at home is outstanding. His record away from home is equally as good.”

“He’s going to go down as one of the all-time great spin bowlers, one of the all-time great Indian cricketers. I had the pleasure of playing quite a bit against him and I had the pleasure of coaching him at the Delhi Capitals. He’s got one of the sharpest cricket brains that you that you would ever come across,” said Ponting in a video posted by the ICC on their Instagram account.

Ashwin also scored six Test centuries and 14 fifties with the bat in the longer format. His last international game was the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he took 1-53 in his 18 overs and made 29 runs with the bat, as India lost by ten wickets.

Ashwin also played 116 ODIs for India, taking 156 wickets, and being a member of 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning teams. Ashwin also played 65 T20I matches and took 72 wickets.

“Whether the way that he looks at batters, the way that he breaks them down and knows he almost like Shane Warne, stays a step ahead of what the batsman was going to do is why he’s been such a great bowler. His longevity in the game is amazing,” added Ponting.

Ashwin was one of 11 allrounders to clinch the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. He also won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, which is level with Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan. He will be seen in action for five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.

“He’s still going to be going around in the IPL and I’ll be coaching against him again this year. But a fantastic career, one that I was lucky to be a part of and I’m sure we’ll see lots of more wickets and more highlights from Ravi Ashwin as his career goes on,” concluded Ponting.

International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah wished a great future for Indian cricketstalwart Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his decision to retire after the Brisbane Test against Australia on Wednesday. It took many by surprise when Ashwin walked out with India captain Rohit Sharma to announce his international retirement. The signs were there for the fans to see Signs when a camera caught Ashwin and Virat Kohli sharing a heartfelt moment during the las day of the Test. Ashwin was visibly emotional and Kohli embraced his friend, which made it clear a big announcement was on the cards once the Test match ended.

Since the word spread about Ashwin’s retirement, wishes have been pouring in, congratulating him for his illustrious career.

“One of @bcci’s greatest match-winners – a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of @ashwinravi99, wishing you the best for the future,” Shah wrote on X.

One of @bcci‘s greatest match-winners – a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of @ashwinravi99, wishing you the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/6RKbiG8jsw

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 18, 2024

Mr Roger Binny, President, BCCI, said: “Ashwin’s brilliance has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket’s success over the years. From being a prodigious talent to becoming one of the greatest off-spinners in cricketing history, his achievements are a source of immense pride. He redefined spin bowling and always sought to stay ahead of the curve. Ashwin is a perfect role model for young cricketers. I thank him for his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket.”

Mr Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, said: “Ashwin’s journey is a testament to the heights that dedication and passion can achieve. His ability to think ahead of the game has been a tremendous asset to Indian cricket. In Ashwin, we’ve witnessed a bowler who didn’t just take wickets but dismantled batting strategies. His approach to the game, combined with his exceptional skills, has made him one of the most respected cricketers of his generation. I congratulate him on an outstanding career.”

Mr Devajit Saikia, BCCI Joint Secretary, said: “Ashwin has been a game-changer in every sense. Whether it was his magical spells on the field or his insightful discussions off it, he brought something truly special to Indian cricket. His ability to reinvent himself, develop new bowling variations, and consistently perform at the highest level makes him a true legend. His extraordinary career serves as an example for future generations of cricketers who will undoubtedly look up to him as an ideal role model.”

Luminaries from the world of cricket on Wednesday doffed their hats to “all-time great” Ravichandran Ashwin after he announced his retirement from international cricket, leaving the game a little poorer after enriching it through a glorious career. Longtime India teammate Virat Kohli penned an emotional tribute, recalling their “14 years of camaraderie”, current coach Gautam Gambhir hailed his influence on future generations, and Ajinkya Rahane reminisced how his every ball felt like a wicket-taking delivery as he stood at slip.

“I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me,” Kohli posted in X.

I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024

Ashwin, 38, announced his decision during the press meet in Gabba that happened after the third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw.

Earlier in the day, Kohli was seen embracing the off-spinner following a lengthy conversation in the dressing room as Ashwin wiped his eyes, sparking speculations on his retirement.

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.

“Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy,” Kohli added.

Legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar said the legacy of retired off-spinner Ashwin will continue to inspire one and all while expressing his admiration for how the Chennai-based cricketer approached the game with mind and heart in perfect sync.

“Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win.”

“Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been wonderful. Your journey shows that true greatness lies in never being afraid to experiment and evolve. Your legacy will inspire one and all. Wishing you all the very best for your 2nd innings,” wrote Tendulkar in his post on ‘X’.

Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win.

Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been… pic.twitter.com/XawHfacaUh

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 18, 2024

With 765 international scalps in his bag, Ashwin is the second-highest wicket-taker from India after Anil Kumble.

Ashwin has taken 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Test matches. He is also seventh on the overall list of wicket-takers.

“The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother,” Gambhir said.

The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024

Former India coach Ravi Shastri hailed Ashwin’s craft and contribution to Indian cricket.

“Hey Ash, congratulations on a magnificent career, old boy. You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft. God bless,” wrote Shastri who is now doing commentary in the five-match series.” India’s highest wicket-taker Anil Kumble lauded Ashwin on his illustrious career.

“Your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary! With over 700 international wickets and a keen cricketing mind, you are one of the finest to have graced the field. Congratulations on a stellar career, and here’s to an even brighter future off the field!” wrote Kumble.

Rahane, who often stood at slip to Ashwin, recalled his sharpness as a bowler who kept the batters guessing with his clever variations.

“Standing at slip was never a dull moment with you bowling, every ball felt like a chance waiting to happen. All the best for your next chapter!” exclaimed Rahane.

Harbhajan Singh, who is the fourth highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, praised Ashwin’s consistency.

“Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now,” Harbhajan posted in X.

Yuvraj Singh also celebrated Ashwin’s grit and adaptability.

“Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you’ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side!” remarked Yuvraj.

Former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik hailed Ashwin as a “GOAT” and the best cricketer from Tamil Nadu.

“A GOAT retires. Well done on what’s been an outstanding career . Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from TAMILNADU. Much love and enjoy some leisurely time with family and friends.” Former India batters Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif also joined the chorus in hailing Ashwin’s legacy, one of the sharpest cricket minds.

The international cricket community too reacted to Ashwin’s decision from the game.

“Only one on the list with six Test 100s,” wrote former South Africa batter Herschelle Gibbs.

Ashwin (537 wickets) finished fourth in the list of highest wicket-takers in Test cricket behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619).

“Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained,” said former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop.

“Thanks Ashwin. Have loved watching you play for India,” posted former England skipper Michael Vaughan.

R Ashwin during press conference after Brisbane Test between India and Australia.© X (formerly Twitter)

File photo of Virat Kohli (right) and Ravichandran Ashwin.© BCCI

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja continues to reach new heights in Test cricket. Of late, he has registered a record that none of the other players have managed to achieve so far in the 147-year history of cricket. Jadeja has become the first-ever player to score 2000 plus runs and scalp over 200 wickets in a winning cause in a Test match. He achieved the feat during India’s first Test vs Bangladesh at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The next player who could equal this record of Jadeja is Ravichandran Ashwin. The star all-rounder has scored 1943 runs and taken 369 wickets in a winning cause in Test cricket.

Unless you’re a freak like Jasprit Bumrah, bowlers playing alongside Ravichandran Ashwin can be pushed behind the giant-shadow of the master off-spinner, even if it’s Jadeja, a genius in his own right.

Sometime during the Kanpur Test later this week, Jadeja, now standing at 299 wickets and 3122 runs, will join an elite club of cricketers to have achieved the grand double of 300 wickets and 3000 runs in the longest format.

Bear it in mind, only 10 players, including two from India in Ashwin and Kapil Dev, have achieved this mark in the history of cricket and some luminaries such as Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis are missing from that list too.

But still Jadeja’s name hardly ever get mentioned in the same breath as some of the aforesaid all-rounders.

In one way, the modus operandi of Jadeja is the primary reason for it. Ashwin is eloquent and is not afraid to talk about his skills in a press meet or in his YouTube channel.

Jadeja does neither. He is quite happy to operate under the radar – like a stealth fighter jet.

But put him into a situation that demands a bail-out operation, Jadeja’s fighting instincts instantly come forth.

In that way, he is very task-oriented. Take the case of the first Test against Bangladesh, which India won by a whopping 280 runs.

From 144 for six, Jadeja and Ashwin took India to 376 all out with a 199-run stand for the seventh wicket. Jadeja made 86, but the talk centred around Ashwin’s home hundred.

Jadeja took five wickets in the match, but Ashwin ‘out-bowled’ him with six-wicket haul in the second innings.

Jadeja is an artist whose strength lies not in his artistry but in his competitive spirit.

But unfortunately, once again Jadeja’ valuable all-round effort ended up as a footnote, visible only to a discerning observer.

(With PTI Inputs)

Ravichandran Ashwin was the hero for India in the side’s 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. While Ashwin came up with a crafy 113 in the only chance he got to bat, he returned figures of 6 for 88 in the final innings of the game to help India secure an easy win. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) uploaded a video on social media in which Ashwin was seen spending some quality time with his wife Prithi Narayanan and daughters Aadhya and Akhira.

“The kids want to know what do you give them for daughter’s day?” asked Prithi in the video.

“I will give them the ball I picked fifer with. Will that do?” replied Ashwin.

“No,” said one of his daughters, while another one also stood there without any clear reply.

“What do you want,” asked Ashwin.

“I don’t know,” replied the kid.

A special game calls for a special conversation @ashwinravi99‘s family in a heartwarming interaction with him post Chepauk heroics.

P.S. – Ashwin has a gift for his daughters on this #DaughtersDay.

Watch #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @prithinarayanan pic.twitter.com/4rchtzemiz

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 22, 2024

India secured a commanding victory over Bangladesh to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Ashwin, a pivotal figure in India’s recent victory over Bangladesh, opened up on JioCinema about how his approach to both bowling and batting has evolved over the years in Test cricket.

“I don’t think like, ‘I want to go out there and make a hundred.’ I genuinely aim to get a five-wicket haul in every Test match,” Ashwin said.

His primary focus remains on his bowling, which has been instrumental in many of India’s Test successes. However, Ashwin has also made significant strides in his batting.

“But in recent years, my batting has become simpler than it was in the past. I used to confuse myself, overthinking as a bowler while batting, but now I keep it simple–watch the ball and react,” he explained.

This shift in mindset has helped him become a more reliable lower-order batter. The all-rounder acknowledged the difficulty of balancing both aspects of his game.

“Compartmentalizing both aspects was a challenge, but I feel like I’ve cracked it,” Ashwin stated confidently.

(With ANI Inputs)

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin does not shy away from a bold comment when talking cricket, and it was no different as he analysed Pakistan’s recent loss to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi. Pakistan fell to a dramatic Day 5 defeat, losing to Bangladesh for the first time ever in Tests. In the game, Pakistan captain Shan Masood had declared the first innings at 448, despite the team having lost only six wickets. On a flat wicket, Bangladesh went on to post a higher total, before the Pakistan batting collapsed in the second innings. Ashwin expressed his bamboozlement.

“Teams don’t surrender on a pitch like this. In first-class cricket, strong teams will bat first and hit big,” said Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel.

“When I saw the highlights of the match, I understood that it was a proper, tiring collapse on the final day. I haven’t seen that for a long time,” Ashwin admitted.

Ashwin expressed his surprise at how the Pakistan batters got out cheaply in the second innings. Ashwin was highly critical of the Pakistan lower order.

“In the end, when Mohammad Rizwan was staging a fight, Naseem Shah played a shot and got out cheaply. I did not understand what happened. There was nothing on the pitch,” Ashwin said.

Rizwan was the star of Pakistan’s batting throughout the match. He was unbeaten on 171 when Pakistan declared in the first innings, but played a battling 51 amidst difficult circumstances in the second innings.

Former South Africa performance analyst Prasanna Raman, known by the moniker ‘PDogg’, who usually joins Ashwin for his videos, did not mince his words in his critique of the Pakistan batting.

“Bangladesh have no mystery spinners or wrist spinners. There is no threat. If you can’t bat for four sessions on a pitch like that at home, it can mean only one thing. Division 1 and Division 2 cricket needs to be brought in. Otherwise, Test cricket in Pakistan will be destroyed,” said Raman.

Pakistan take on Bangladesh again at Rawalpindi in the second Test on August 30.