Ashwin took spin bowling to next level, inspired next generation: Harbhajan Singh

R Ashwin’s sudden retirement from international cricket has sparked reactions from cricketing legends, who have lauded his illustrious career and contributions to Indian cricket. Former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh reflected on Ashwin’s remarkable journey, his tactical brilliance, and the legacy he leaves behind as one of the finest spinners.

Gavaskar shared his thoughts on his sudden announcement, suggesting that Ashwin could well have been a part of the fifth and final Test of the series in Sydney, if not the Boxing Day Test, the fourth of the series, in Melbourne.

“Even say that, look, after the end of the series, I won't be available for India, because what it does—similarly, even when Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired at the end of the third Test almost nine, ten years ago—it actually leaves you one short. A selection committee has picked so many players for a tour with a purpose so that, you know, if there are any injuries, etc., they can rely on the reserve players to step in. Sydney is somewhere everybody talks about as having a lot of help for spinners, so he could have played with two spinners. You never know; India could have played with two spinners, and he would have been there for sure. I'm not sure about Melbourne—what the pitch looks like or whatever. But yes, normally, you tend to sort of say, look, at the end of the series, that's it. But in the middle, it is not usual,” Gavaskar told Star Sports. 

“In fact, the captain just now said as well that he's flying out tomorrow, which means that, you know, that's it—that's the end of Ashwin as an international cricketer. And like you said, he's been one heck of a cricketer,” he added.

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Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden spoke about Ashwin’s career, lauding him for his cunning and crafty mindset.

“Yeah, I think Sunny described him really well—a very smart cricketer. And you know, he's a cricketer who just stays on task, always working out a cunning plan. He's got great belief in his own ability. He's quite polarizing in many ways when it comes to the cricketing public, and even to his own team—he's a very strong-minded person. But I personally want to wish Ashwin a wonderful retirement," said Hayden.

"I’ve been very privileged to share many a bus-side seat on the way to the ground in Tamil Nadu, at the beautiful Chepauk Stadium, and with the Chennai Super Kings. As a young kid, as I was coming to the end of my career, he’d cuddle up, and we’d talk about the game—how he could counteract the sweeper and why I swept. So, in many ways, it was a transference of information, much like what I had with Bishan Bedi years ago. He's a lovely human being and a very enjoyable character to play with as well,” he added.

Gavaskar also opened up on Ashwin’s dedication, recalling his historic partnership with Vihari in the third Test of the Australia series in 2021 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

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“Yes, with Hanuma Vihari. He had a back spasm so bad that he couldn't really get out of bed—his wife had to help him get to the ground. That tells you his determination when representing India. He just wouldn't give up. He was playing with minimal movement. That strength of mind when playing for India has been amazing.”

Harbhajan also congratulated Ashwin on his retirement. “Congratulations, Ashwin, for a brilliant career—an outstanding career, I'd rather say. You've taken the tradition of spin bowling to the next level. You've inspired the next generation. Thank you very much for all the efforts, all the wickets, and everything you have done on the field. Well done to you. Good luck going forward, and I hope we meet often now.”