Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally writes to Ravichandran Ashwin after his retirement

Ravichandran Ashwin Retirement During Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been one of the biggest cricket news of the past few days. The veteran offspinner signed off on an illustrious international career after the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba.

Ashwin’s retirement not only surprised the cricketing world but also Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recently, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude and congratulated Ashwin for a glittering career spanning 14 years.

Narendra Modi wrote a letter to Ravichandran Ashwin and recalled his many achievements in various formats in international cricket. He paid heartfelt tributes to the former Indian offspinner for his contribution to Indian cricket.

Also read: Cheteshwar Pujara reveals the secret strategy to conquer the ‘most dangerous’ Mitchell Starc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembers Ravichandran Ashwin

According to news agency IANS, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to Ravichandran Ashwin and congratulated him on his wonderful career. He also expressed surprise like others in the cricketing world.

“The announcement of your retirement from international cricket has surprised fans in India and around the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more holidays, you bowled a ball that hit everyone,” wrote Narendra Modi.

“However, everyone understands that this must have been a difficult decision for you too, especially after the excellent career you had playing for India,” he added.

Narendra Modi talks about Ravichandran Ashwin’s records

PM Modi further recalled the various records that Ashwin had created during his career. He also spoke about the offspinner’s impact in his Test debut and during India’s win in the 2011 ODI World Cup.

“Each of the 765 international wickets you recorded in all formats was special. Holding the record for most player of the series awards in Test matches shows the impact you have had on the team’s success in Tests over the last many years.”

“As a young prospect, you took five wickets on Test debut and became part of the ODI World Cup winning team in 2011. By the time you led the team to victory in the last over of the Champions Trophy in 2013, you had become a key member of the team.”

“You later played a key role as a senior in the team through multiple victories in all formats of the game. As a player who was the ICC Cricketer of the Year, you also won international recognition and universal respect,” PM Modi elaborated.

Narendra Modi recalls Ravichandran Ashwin’s famous T20 World Cup 2022 exit.

PM Modi further spoke about Ashwin’s famous absence during the T20 World Cup 2022 which gave India a thriller against Pakistan. He also remembered Ashwin’s dedication even during adverse situations in his life.

“People are often remembered for some wonderful shot they played. But you have the unique advantage of being remembered for both your strike and your absence in the legendary WT20 2022 match. Your match-winning knock caused great jubilation.”

“The way you left the ball in front of her, allowing it to become a wide ball, showed your presence of mind. Even in moments of adversity, your sincerity and commitment came through.”

“We all remember the way you came back to contribute to the team even when your mother was hospitalized and the time you continued to play against South Africa even when you couldn’t get in touch with your family during the Chennai floods,” he explained. .

In a tense situation during the match against Pakistan when India needed two runs off the last ball, Ashwin left Mohammad Nawaz for a wide ball down the leg. The veteran then smashed four over the middle of the game to win the game for his team.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the great cricketing mind of Ravichandran Ashwin

PM Modi also hailed Ashwin’s adaptability and performances across formats and his great cricketing mind and even claimed that his knowledge as an engineer helped him in cricket as well.

“When looking at your career, your flexibility and adaptability stand out. The way you adapted your approach to different formats of the game was an asset to the team. I wonder if your engineering background helped you with the meticulous, detail-oriented approach you’re known for.”

“Many analysts and colleagues have praised your sharp cricketing brain. I am confident that such knowledge will benefit the youth of future generations,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Narendra Modi congratulates the family of Ravichandran Ashwin

The Prime Minister concluded by congratulating the family of Ravichandran Ashwin for his remarkable career and hailed their sacrifice over the years. He hopes to see them soon and get to know them up close in the future.

“As an ambassador for the game, on and off the field, you have made the nation and your family proud. I also take this opportunity to congratulate your parents, your wife Pritha and your daughters. Their sacrifice and support, I’m sure, was crucial to your growth as a cricketer and as a person.”

“I hope you will be able to spend more time with them, something you would have looked forward to all these years. May you find ways to continue to contribute to the game you love so much. Once again, sincere congratulations on a great career and best wishes for the future,” concluded the Prime Minister Fashion.

Ravichandran Ashwin retires as India’s second most successful bowler in Test cricket after Anil Kumble. Ashwin finished with 537 Test wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24. He also holds the record for joining the most Man of the Series awards in Tests.

Apart from picking up a ton of wickets, Ashwin has also contributed 3503 runs in Tests at an average of 25.75. He scored six hundreds in Test cricket and his batting contributions lower down the order mostly came when India needed them.

PM Modi congratulates R Ashwin on his stellar career through a letter.
~ “When everyone was looking forward to many more Odd Breaks, you threw the CARROMA BALL that threw everything away.”😂👌

“People are remembered for hitting, but you will be remembered for GOING to T20 World Cup 2022.”😂 pic.twitter.com/6WFDxbjDmX

— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) December 22, 2024