Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of the third Test match in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. The news marked the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade, during which Ashwin established himself as one of India’s greatest spin bowlers. To commemorate the occasion, Ashwin shared a special and emotional post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting an unforgettable moment in his farewell journey.
A Special Tribute on Retirement Day
On the day of his retirement, Ashwin took to social media to share a screengrab of his phone log. The image revealed two significant calls that he received from two of Indian cricket’s most celebrated legends: Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev. The gesture underscored the impact Ashwin has made in the cricketing world and the deep respect he has garnered from fellow cricketing icons.
The screengrab showed a FaceTime audio call from Sachin Tendulkar and a WhatsApp audio call from Kapil Dev. The significance of receiving calls from two cricketing legends wasn’t lost on Ashwin, who expressed his gratitude and amazement with a heartfelt caption:
“If, 25 years ago, someone had told me that on the final day of my cricket career, I’d have a smartphone and my call log would look like this ☺️☺️, I’d have been in complete shock. Thank you @sachin_rt and @therealkapildev paaji for these unforgettable moments 🙏🙏 #blessed.”
This emotional message highlighted not only Ashwin’s humility but also his journey from a young aspiring cricketer to one of India’s greatest spin bowlers.
The Significance of the Calls from Legends
Sachin Tendulkar’s Call
Sachin Tendulkar, the “Master Blaster” and a living legend of the game, has been an influential figure in Indian cricket. R Ashwin had the privilege of playing alongside Tendulkar during his early years in international cricket. They were both part of the Indian squad that clinched the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup—an iconic moment in the history of Indian cricket. The call from Tendulkar was a testament to Ashwin’s contribution and consistency over the years, as well as the camaraderie shared between the two stalwarts.
Kapil Dev’s Call
Kapil Dev, the captain who led India to its first-ever World Cup victory in 1983, is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in cricket history. His call to Ashwin symbolized the passing of the torch between generations of Indian cricket greats. For R Ashwin, receiving a call from Kapil Dev on his retirement day signified the culmination of his journey in the sport and the recognition of his legacy as a match-winner for India.
A Glorious Career Comes to an End
Ravichandran Ashwin leaves behind a legacy defined by skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Known for his ability to outthink batsmen, Ashwin’s variations and tactical acumen made him a formidable force in Test cricket. His career stats speak volumes:
- Test Matches: Over 500 wickets in more than 100 matches
- ODI Matches: 150+ wickets in around 115 matches
- T20Is: 72 wickets in 65 matches
Ashwin’s contributions extend beyond just numbers. His role in crucial series victories, particularly on Indian soil, and his performances overseas have made him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack. He also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring multiple Test centuries, making him a genuine all-rounder in the format.
Ashwin’s Journey: From Aspiration to Inspiration
R Ashwin’s cricketing journey is a story of relentless perseverance. Hailing from Chennai, he transitioned from being an opening batsman in his early cricketing days to becoming India’s premier off-spinner. His evolution underlines his adaptability and dedication to mastering his craft.
Over the years, R Ashwin developed a reputation for being an astute thinker, often studying batsmen and devising strategies to outfox them. His rivalry with some of the world’s best batsmen, including Steve Smith and Joe Root, brought immense excitement to the sport.
Gratitude and Reflection
R Ashwin’s retirement post reflects the humility and gratitude that defined his career. The joy of receiving acknowledgment from cricketing icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev encapsulates the respect he earned through his stellar performances and sportsmanship.
By sharing this moment, R Ashwin provided his fans with a glimpse into the emotional side of a cricketer’s farewell. His post resonated with cricket enthusiasts, who flooded social media with tributes, celebrating his achievements and expressing their admiration.
What Lies Ahead for Ashwin?
While R Ashwin may have retired from international cricket, his knowledge of the game and his analytical mind will likely keep him involved in cricket in some capacity. Whether as a mentor, commentator, or coach, his insights and experience will continue to benefit future generations of cricketers.
Conclusion
R Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His exceptional skills as a bowler, his valuable contributions with the bat, and his cricketing intellect have left an indelible mark on the sport. His emotional tribute featuring calls from legends Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev perfectly encapsulates the respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.
As R Ashwin steps away from the international stage, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire countless young cricketers. His journey from a hopeful young spinner to a cricketing icon will be remembered for years to come.
