Often People Are Remembered For Shots, You Will Be Remembered For A Leave..: PM Modi Pays Glowing Tribute To R Ashwin

Prime Minister Modi paid a touching tribute to R Ashwin |Courtesy - screengrab/ AP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement

PM Modi paid a glowing tribute to Ashwin

Ashwin is India's second most successful bowler

After Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a glowing tribute to the legendary Indian cricketer. The 38-year-old bid adieu to all three formats of the game for Team India following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at the Gabba last week.

As per news agency IANS, PM Modi wrote a letter to Ashwin hailing his international cricket and claimed the national team will miss the jersey number 99. He also expressed his surprise at Ashwin's decision and made a witty remark calling it a 'carrom bowl that bowled everyone.'

“The announcement of your retirement from international cricket surprised fans in India and across the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everyone. However, everyone understands that this must have been a hard decision for you as well, especially after the outstanding career you have had playing for India.

“The announcement of your retirement from international cricket surprised fans in India and across the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everyone. However, everyone understands that this must have been a hard decision for you as well, especially after the outstanding career you have had playing for India,” wrote PM Modi.

PM Modi hailed Ashwin's international career with his incredible record that saw him become India's second-highest wicket-taker in all formats of international cricket as well as Test cricket history.

“Each one of the 765 international wickets that you took across all formats was special. Holding the record of having the highest number of Player of the Series awards in Test matches shows the impact you had on the team’s success in Tests over the last many years.

“As a young prospect, you took a five-wicket haul on Test debut and went on to be a part of the ODI World Cup-winning squad in 2011. By the time you bowled the team to victory in the last over of the Champions Trophy in 2013, you had become a key member of the team. Later, you played a crucial role as a senior in the team through multiple victories in all formats of the game. As a player who has been the ICC Cricketer of the Year, you have also won international acclaim and universal respect," PM Modi explained.

Modi also recalled Ashwin's memorable batting display in the 2022 T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan in which he walked out bat with India needing two runs to win in one ball.

“Often people are remembered for some wonderful shot that they played. But you have the unique distinction of being remembered for both a shot and a leave in the legendary match of the WT20 in 2022. Your winning shot elicited great cheers. The way you left the ball before it, allowing it on its way to becoming a wide ball, showed your presence of mind. Even during moments of adversity, your sincerity and commitment came to the fore. We all remember the way you flew back to contribute to the team even when your mother was hospitalised and the time you kept playing against South Africa even when you couldn’t get in touch with your family during the floods in Chennai.

“As one observes your career, your flexibility and adaptability stand out. The way you tailored your approach to suit various formats of the game was an asset to the team. I wonder if your education as an engineer helped you in the meticulous and detail-orientated approach that you are famous for. Many analysts and peers have praised your sharp cricketing brain. I am confident that such knowledge will come of use to youngsters of future generations," PM Modi stated.

PM Modi also referred to Ashwin's YouTube channel and his special 'Kutti Stories' show.

“The wit and warmth that you bring to your conversations have been appreciated by fans. I hope that you will continue to post ‘Kutti Stories’ on cricket, sports and life in general.

“As an ambassador of the game, both on and off the field, you have made the nation and your family proud. I take this opportunity to congratulate your parents, your wife Prithi and your daughters as well. Their sacrifices and support, I am sure, have been crucial to your growth as a cricketer and as a person. I hope that you get to spend more time with them, something that you would have looked forward to all these years. May you find ways to continue contributing to the game that you dearly love. Once again, heartiest congratulations on an illustrious career and best wishes for the future,” PM Modi concluded.

Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is for India over a career that lasted 14 years. He is the fastest Indian to take 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 wickets in Test cricket history. The legendary off-spinner was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.

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