With Ravichandran Ashwin pulling the curtains down on quite a storied international career, reactions have come in from former cricketers and fans as the off-spinner made the announcement after the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. The likes of Virat Kohli, Wasim Jaffer, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, and several other former players have poured in their tributes.
Ashwin will go down as India's most successful off-spinner as and their second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 and a total of 765 international scalps. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer final match for India was the one in Adelaide which the tourists lost by ten wickets. He is also the most prolific spinner produced by India.
Prior to announcing stumps, a video did rounds on social media as Kohli gave the 38-year-old a hug, with the latter seeming to be wiping his tears off.
Below is how the ex-cricketers have reacted to Ravichandran Ashwin's retirment:
Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on an outstanding career. So many match winning performances not only with ball but also with the bat and a wonderful ambassador of the game. Wish you ever more success in the second innings as well.
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) December 18, 2024
pic.twitter.com/NNryk2QHMC
Take a bow, Ashwin bro! Your magic with the ball, sharp cricketing mind, and unmatched passion for Test cricket will forever be etched in our hearts. Thank you for giving us countless moments of joy and pride. Wishing you all the best for your next chapter! ❤️ #Ashwin… pic.twitter.com/5jBuHusPn2
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) December 18, 2024
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! @ashwinravi99
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 18, 2024
Many congratulations Ash on a memorable career. You have been an inspiration and have been a great example of how to make the best of your talent and achieve excellence. Won India so many matches and series with both bat and ball and a great competitor , I am sure your second… pic.twitter.com/Fg3k1LfBVR
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 18, 2024
Congratulations on an incredible journey, @ashwinravi99! 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! pic.twitter.com/HhBUHVPu3v
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) December 18, 2024
.@ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/z4VlTpVf4M
— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) December 18, 2024
.@ashwinravi99, 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! pic.twitter.com/60lbNnyPi8
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 18, 2024
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
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
He wasn't just a match winner he was a series winner. Congratulations on a phenomenal career @ashwinravi99! Will go down as one of the greats of the game. Don't go too far away though, cricket is richer with you. 537 Test wkts at 24.01! CHAMPION #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/0Kx0N6NwRX
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 18, 2024
An absolute match-winner, @ashwinravi99! Retiring as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket is nothing short of monumental. Combine that with his invaluable batting contributions, and you get one of the game’s solid all-rounders. Well done, Ash! pic.twitter.com/9UAxCNouSf
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 18, 2024
Gabba Test ends in draw as rain has final say
Meanwhile, the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba finished in a draw as rain had the final say. After Australia dismissed Akash Deep on day five, the hosts went for quick runs but slid to 89/7 before declaring to set India 275 to win. After India faced 2.1 overs for eight runs, the players went off due to bad light and didn't return due to heavy rain.
The series still remains locked at 1-1 with two more Tests to go. The 4th Test begins on December 26th at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).