NEW DELHI: Star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shocked the cricketing fraternity by announcing his retirement from international cricket midway through the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leaving a significant void to fill in Indian cricket. Reflecting on Ashwin’s departure, his long-time teammate and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja admitted he would deeply miss the legendary spinner but emphasized the need to move forward.
The 38-year-old Ashwin concludes his illustrious career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, with 537 scalps in 106 matches, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble’s 619 wickets.
“Hopefully, we get a good replacement for him, as a spinner and an all-rounder,” Jadeja said during a press interaction at the MCG.
“We have to move on. In India, it’s not like you won’t get someone who can replace him. Everybody knows we will get someone. It’s a good opportunity for a youngster who comes into the team and prove at this level.
“Every bowler has his own plans, and you need to adapt to the conditions and match situations. In India, yes (responsibility will increase). In overseas conditions, spinners play more of a support role. I think my role will be similar to what I did in the last game. So it won’t be an issue here. But, yes, in India, when spinners have to do the bulk of the job, it increases,” Jadeja added.
Beyond his Test achievements, Ashwin featured in 116 ODIs, claiming 156 wickets and playing pivotal roles in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy triumphs.
In T20Is, he played 65 matches and took 72 wickets, further cementing his legacy as one of India’s finest bowlers.
