Tributes have been pouring in for Ravichandran Ashwin after the Indian player announced his retirement from international cricket, aged 38.
After a sensational career with the national team, becoming India’s seventh highest wicket-taker, Ashwin announced that he would be resigning from his role in the Indian team after the Gabba Test this week.
During a 14-year spell with India, Ashwin took 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests. His numbers are equally impressive in ODI cricket, taking 156 wickets in 116 matches.
But in 2019, Ashwin had sparked a firestorm of controversy after controversially dismissing Jos Buttler during an IPL match, while playing for Kings XI Punjab.
Online fans lashed out at Ashwin after he ‘mankaded’ the England star, with late Australian cricket legend Shane Warne criticizing Ashwin’s decision on Twitter.
A year later, he returned to warn the rest of the IPL, having given Aaron Finch a “first and last warning” by choosing not to run out the Australian batsman during a match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Ravichandran Ashwin (centre) has announced that he will retire from Test cricket after the Brisbane Test this week.
Australian great Aaron Finch (pictured) paid tribute to Ashwin following his decision to retire
But paying tribute to the legendary Indian bowler, Finch recalled the moment and revealed a hilarious and touching moment the pair shared after the match.
“Ah, what a player he’s been for Inda for so long,” Finch said. 7cricket.
“He’s someone who was an incredible competitor on the field, but then on the field, he would love to sit with you and talk cricket for hours.”
‘I had the pleasure of playing IPL with him and spending quite a bit of time being the true (crazy) cricketer that I am.
‘Overall, his contribution and career speak for themselves. The amount of wickets and runs he has… It’s just incredible.
“It’s quite funny… because I think he threw out Jos Buttler before that incident in the IPL and then I did.
“And then he came out after the game and said, ‘I don’t kick my teammates out!’
“I’m very grateful for that,” he added, laughing.
He also took to Instagram to thank Aswin for not manipulating him during an IPL match.
Finch had also posted a photo of the moment on his Instagram story, showing the moment Ashwin decided not to stump him after Finch had moved a few yards outside his crease.
‘One of the races of all time!!! Congratulations @rashwin99! It was a pleasure playing with you and against you! PS: Thank you for not leaving me without this day!’ He captioned the image.
Tributes have poured in from across the cricket world for Ashwin, with his former captain Virat Kohli thanking his teammate.
‘I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today that you were retiring, I got a little emotional and had flashbacks of all those years playing together.
‘I’ve enjoyed every part of the trip with you Ash. Your match-winning skills and contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.
‘I wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and in everything that develops for you.
‘With enormous respect and much love for you and your loved ones. Thanks for everything friend.’
Australian captain Pat Cummins called Ashwin “one of the all-time greats”.
Ashwin sparked controversy after he added Jos Buttler back to the IPL in 2019.
Tributes have poured in from across the cricket world for Ashwin, who took 537 wickets during his Test career.
“He’s obviously been a fantastic player all around,” Cummins said. ‘There aren’t many finger spinners that have that kind of longevity.
“There is enormous respect in our locker room for the career he has had.”
Michael Vaughan took to X to write: “Thank you @ashwinravi99… Loved watching you play for India.”
AB de Villiers was another to pay tribute to the Indian spinner: “I have always enjoyed our battles and I have a lot of respect for you. You have always been a great competitor and an exceptional cricketer. Congratulations on an amazing career, @ashwinravi99. Good luck for the future!’