In a gesture that transcends the often-heated rivalry between India and Pakistan on the cricket field, Babar Azam, the renowned Pakistani batter, recently took to social media to honor the retirement of Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test match during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, received heartfelt congratulations from the former Pakistan skipper.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement announcement
Notably, Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated spin bowlers, decided to step away from international cricket, leaving behind a legacy of 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. His retirement came unexpectedly during the ongoing series, prompting tributes from across the cricketing world. Ashwin’s contributions have been pivotal, especially in home conditions, where he has been a match-winner for India over the years.
Babar Azam’s tribute for the Indian maestro
Babar, known for his elegance at the crease, shared a story on Instagram acknowledging Ashwin’s illustrious career. This gesture was not only a nod to Ashwin’s skill but also highlighted the sportsmanship and camaraderie that exists among players beyond national boundaries. Several fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media platforms echoed Babar’s sentiments, sharing and resharing his story, recognizing the mutual respect between two cricketing nations often seen as rivals.
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Ashwin bids farewell to a tremendous career
Ashwin’s career has been nothing short of spectacular in the annals of cricket. He debuted for India in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of the premier off-spinners in the world. His career highlights include becoming the fastest Indian to reach 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 Test wickets, showcasing his dominance with the ball. He has been instrumental in numerous series wins, particularly against Australia and England, where his ability to adapt to different conditions was evident.
Ashwin also holds the record for the highest number of Test five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler. Beyond his bowling, he contributed significantly with the bat, often playing crucial knocks down the order, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries in Tests. His strategic acumen, combined with a bag of varied bowling deliveries, has made him a subject of study for many aspiring cricketers, ensuring his legacy in cricket will be discussed for generations.
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