:India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called time on his international career, announcing his retirement after the third test against Australia finished in a draw in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Following are quotes and reactions to his announcement.
GAUTAM GAMBHIR, INDIA HEAD COACH
“The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”
JAY SHAH, INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL CHAIRMAN
“One of India’s greatest match-winners – a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of Ashwin, wishing you the best for the future.”
VIRAT KOHLI, FORMER INDIA CAPTAIN
“I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me.
“I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you Ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.”
RAVI SHASTRI, INDIA HEAD COACH FROM 2017 TO 2021.
“You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft.”
HARBHAJAN SINGH, FORMER INDIA SPINNER
“Your ambition as a test cricketer was admirable. Well done for being the flag bearer of Indian spin for more than a decade. Be very proud of your achievements and hopefully see you more often now.”
ANIL KUMBLE, FORMER INDIA BOWLER AND COACH
“With over 700 international wickets and a keen cricketing mind, you are one of the finest to have graced the field. Congratulations on a stellar career, and here’s to an even brighter future off the field.”
IRFAN PATHAN, FORMER INDIA BOWLING ALL-ROUNDER
“Retiring as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in test cricket is nothing short of monumental. Combine that with his invaluable batting contributions, and you get one of the game’s solid all-rounders.”
SURESH RAINA, FORMER INDIA BATTER
“Your magic with the ball, sharp cricketing mind, and unmatched passion for test cricket will forever be etched in our hearts. Thank you for giving us countless moments of joy and pride.”
IAN BISHOP, FORMER WEST INDIES PACER
“Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained.”
MITCHELL STARC, AUSTRALIA PACER
“His numbers speak for themselves. He’s been an incredible bowler for India for a long time. He’s always been a bit of a thorn in our side over in India, and played a part in the series here in Australia.”
DINESH KARTHIK, FORMER INDIA BATTER
“A GOAT retires. Well done on what’s been an outstanding career. Proud to have played with you and definitely the greatest ever to have played from Tamil Nadu.”
MICHAEL VAUGHAN, FORMER ENGLAND TEST CAPTAIN
“Thanks Ashwin … Have loved watching you play for India.”
HARSHA BHOGLE, CRICKET COMMENTATOR
“One of the greatest to have played our game… What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you.”
(Compiled by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
