Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated R Ashwin on his retirement from international cricket. Modi acknowledged Ashwin’s significant contributions to the sport and expressed how much he will be missed. He noted that Ashwin’s jersey number 99 would be particularly missed on the cricket field.
Ashwin’s 14-year international career concluded after a draw in the Gabba Test. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as one of India’s most successful match-winners. His final international appearance was in the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide. In that match, he recorded figures of 1-53 in 18 overs and contributed 29 runs with the bat.
In a personal letter to Ashwin, PM Modi expressed his surprise at the retirement announcement, comparing it to an unexpected “carrom ball.”
“The announcement of your retirement from international cricket surprised fans in India and across the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everyone. However, everyone understands that this must have been a hard decision for you as well, especially after the outstanding career you have had playing for India,”
Modi commended Ashwin for his exceptional career, highlighting his talent, dedication, and team-focused approach. “Please accept my heartiest congratulations on a career that has been full of brilliance, hard work and putting the team above everything else.”
The Prime Minister reiterated how much Ashwin’s presence would be missed in international cricket. He specifically mentioned Ashwin’s jersey number 99.
“As you bid farewell to international cricket, jersey number 99 will be sorely missed. Cricket lovers will miss the sense of expectation they felt when you took to the crease to bowl – there was always a feeling that you were weaving a web around the opponents that would trap a victim any moment. You possessed an uncanny ability to outwit batsmen with good old off-spin as well as innovative variations, as the situation demanded,”
Ashwin’s international journey began in 2010 with his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. The following year, he made his Test debut against the West Indies. Throughout his career, spanning 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, he amassed an impressive 765 international wickets.
“Each one of the 765 international wickets that you took across all formats was special. Holding the record of having the highest number of Player of the Series awards in Test matches shows the impact you had on the team’s success in Tests over the last many years.”
Modi highlighted some of Ashwin’s career milestones. These included a five-wicket haul on his Test debut, being part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, and bowling the winning over in the 2013 Champions Trophy final.
“As a young prospect, you took a five-wicket haul on Test debut and went on to be a part of the ODI World Cup-winning squad in 2011. By the time you bowled the team to victory in the last over of the Champions Trophy in 2013, you had become a key member of the team. Later, you played a crucial role as a senior in the team through multiple victories in all formats of the game. As a player who has been the ICC Cricketer of the Year, you have also won international acclaim and universal respect,”
Ashwin played a significant role in India’s 12-year home dominance and the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia. He is among an elite group of 11 all-rounders with over 3000 Test runs and 300 wickets. He shares the record for most Player-of-the-Series awards (11) in Test matches with Muttiah Muralitharan.
“You have showcased your all-round prowess by scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same match many times. With the bat in hand, too, you have given our nation many memories, including the brave match-saving innings in Sydney in 2021.”
Modi mentioned Ashwin’s memorable performances, including a match-saving innings in Sydney in 2021. He also recalled a specific moment from the 2022 T20 World Cup, where Ashwin’s tactical leave of a wide ball demonstrated his sharp cricketing mind.
“Often people are remembered for some wonderful shot that they played. But you have the unique distinction of being remembered for both a shot and a leave in the legendary match of the WT20 in 2022. Your winning shot elicited great cheers. The way you left the ball before it, allowing it on its way to becoming a wide ball, showed your presence of mind.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged Ashwin’s dedication to the team, even during personal challenges. He recalled instances where Ashwin prioritised his cricketing duties despite family emergencies, such as his mother’s hospitalisation and the Chennai floods.
“Even during moments of adversity, your sincerity and commitment came to the fore. We all remember the way you flew back to contribute to the team even when your mother was hospitalised and the time you kept playing against South Africa even when you couldn’t get in touch with your family during the floods in Chennai.”
Modi praised Ashwin’s adaptability across different formats and credited his analytical approach, possibly influenced by his engineering background. He expressed confidence that Ashwin’s knowledge would benefit future generations of cricketers.
“As one observes your career, your flexibility and adaptability stand out. The way you tailored your approach to suit various formats of the game was an asset to the team. I wonder if your education as an engineer helped you in the meticulous and detail-orientated approach that you are famous for. Many analysts and peers have praised your sharp cricketing brain. I am confident that such knowledge will come of use to youngsters of future generations.”
Modi also appreciated Ashwin’s engaging personality and encouraged him to continue sharing his insights on cricket and life, referencing Ashwin’s “Kutti Stories.”
“The wit and warmth that you bring to your conversations have been appreciated by fans. I hope that you will continue to post ‘Kutti Stories’ on cricket, sports and life in general.”
In closing, the Prime Minister congratulated Ashwin’s family for their support and expressed hope that Ashwin would enjoy spending more time with them. He wished Ashwin the best for the future and expressed hope that he would continue to contribute to the sport.
“As an ambassador of the game, both on and off the field, you have made the nation and your family proud. I take this opportunity to congratulate your parents, your wife Prithi and your daughters as well. Their sacrifices and support, I am sure, have been crucial to your growth as a cricketer and as a person. I hope that you get to spend more time with them, something that you would have looked forward to all these years.”
“May you find ways to continue contributing to the game that you dearly love. Once again, heartiest congratulations on an illustrious career and best wishes for the future,”
