Harbhajan lauds Ravichandran Ashwin for elevating Indian spin bowling and inspiring future cricketers.
Brisbane [Australia], December 19: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh congratulated Ravichandran Ashwin on his retirement from international cricket, commending him for a stellar career that has inspired the next generation of cricketers.
Ashwin’s announcement, made alongside captain Rohit Sharma, surprised fans and marked the end of an illustrious chapter in Indian cricket. A heartfelt moment between Ashwin and Virat Kohli on the final day of the Brisbane Test hinted at the monumental decision, which was later confirmed after the match.
Since then, tributes have poured in from fans and players alike, celebrating Ashwin’s contribution to the sport.
Harbhajan’s Tribute
Speaking to Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh described Ashwin’s career as “brilliant and outstanding,” emphasizing the spinner’s role in taking Indian spin bowling to new heights.
“Congratulations, Ashwin, for a brilliant career–an outstanding career, I’d rather say. You’ve taken the tradition of spin bowling to the next level. You’ve inspired the next generation. Thank you very much for all the efforts, all the wickets, and everything you have done on the field. Well done to you. Good luck going forward, and I hope we meet often now,” Harbhajan said.
Ashwin’s Remarkable Career
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies marked the beginning of a glorious journey in red-ball cricket.
Key Career Highlights:
- Matches Played: 106 Tests
- Wickets Taken: 537 (including 37 five-wicket hauls)
- Runs Scored: 3,503
- Record Against Australia: 115 wickets in 23 matches at an economy rate of 2.71
- Prestigious Milestone: Most wickets (29) in a single Border-Gavaskar Trophy series (2020-21).
Ashwin also holds the distinction of being the fastest Indian to reach 350 Test wickets and ranks as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled achievements.
End of an Era
As Ashwin retires, he leaves an indelible mark on cricket, not only as a prolific spinner but also as a player who continuously inspired his teammates and fans. His dedication and strategic brilliance on the field have set benchmarks for future generations to follow.
