Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that he was overwhelmed at receiving calls from his childhood idols Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev after he announced his retirement from international cricket. Recalling how big a fan he was of Tendulkar while growing up, the Tamil Nadu cricketer added that he never wanted to get him out.
Ashwin (38) confirmed his retirement from international cricket after the third Test between India and Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw. The veteran cricketer attended the post-match press conference with skipper Rohit Sharma and announced his decision to quit international cricket.
Following his decision, Ashwin received a wave of support from fans and members of the cricket fraternity from across the globe. Two Indian legends, Tendulkar and Kapil, personally called him up to wish him on his tremendous career. Speaking to former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports, Ashwin shared his emotions on getting calls from his cricketing idols. He said:
The off-spinner, with 537 Test scalps from 106 Tests at an average of 24, had proudly shared a screen shot of his mobile call log on his social media handle, which displayed the names of former India captains Tendulkar and Kapil.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer has achieved some magnificent feats in international cricket, especially in the Test format. Some critics and fans, though, have termed him as a numbers man. During the interaction with Hussain and Atherton rejected all such claims and asserted that what excited him was to explore his very best.
The Indian cricketer is seventh on the list of leading Test wicket-takers. Veteran Australian offie Lyon (533) is next in the list, followed by West Indies legend Courtney Walsh (519).
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news
Quick Links
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
