Australia captain Pat Cummins recently paid tribute to India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18. Ashwin’s decision came after the third Test match against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, which ended in a draw due to persistent rain. Cummins praised Ashwin’s remarkable career, highlighting his longevity and exceptional performance as a spinner on the global stage.
Pat Cummins doffed his hat to Ravichandran Ashwin’s career
Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly established himself as one of the premier spinners in cricket history. Over his illustrious 14-year career, he claimed 537 Test wickets at an impressive average of 24, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, just behind Anil Kumble. In total, Ashwin amassed 765 international wickets across formats, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
Cummins lauded Ashwin’s achievements in the press conference, stating, “He’s obviously been a fantastic player all around the world—there aren’t that many finger spinners that have that kind of longevity.” He emphasized that Ashwin would be remembered as “one of the all-time greats,” reflecting the respect he commanded within the cricketing community.
Aaron Finch congratulates taking a friendly jibe at Ashwin
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch also delivered a light-hearted farewell message to Indian spin legend following his retirement from international cricket. The two cricketers had a history together, having shared the dressing room at Punjab Kings during the 2018 IPL season. Finch’s tribute not only highlighted their camaraderie but also recalled a memorable incident from the IPL 2020.
Also READ: Complete list of five-wicket hauls and centuries by Ravichandran Ashwin in international cricket
In that particular match, Finch was playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru while Ashwin represented Delhi Capitals. During the game, Ashwin caught Finch out of the crease at the non-striker’s end and issued a warning instead of executing a run-out. Finch humorously referenced this moment in his Instagram story, writing, “Thanks for not running me out this day!” along with a photo from the match. He also added, “One of the all-time careers. Congratulations R Ashwin. It was a pleasure to play with and against you.”
The emotional farewell of the legend
Ashwin’s retirement announcement was unexpected and emotional. He expressed gratitude for his time in international cricket and acknowledged the support from teammates like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. His decision was reportedly influenced by a sense of being sidelined during recent matches, leading to reflections on his career and future.
During a poignant moment post-announcement, Cummins and Australian spinner Nathan Lyon presented Ashwin with a signed Australian jersey as a gesture of respect for his contributions to the sport. This act underscored the camaraderie and mutual respect that transcends national boundaries in cricket.
While Ashwin has stepped away from international cricket, he intends to continue playing in franchise leagues, notably for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His departure marks not just an end but also a transition into new opportunities within the sport he loves.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: 3 key reasons behind Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden mid-series retirement
