'Reaching 500 Test wickets is no walk in the park' - Muttiah Muralitharan hails R Ashwin

Following India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement announcement from international cricket, Sri Lanka spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan shared his opinion and appreciated his fellow off-spinner. He also said that Ashwin will inspire future players. 

After the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw on Wednesday due to rain, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. He has 537 wickets in 106 Test matches to his name. 

Ashwin hung up his boots as India's second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumbe with 619 wickets and the former Sri Lankan legend pointed out that this is an accomplishment in itself. He also mentioned that the India legend started off his career as a batsman. 

"You must remember that Ashwin started his career as a batsman, dabbling in spin as a part-time option. He soon realised the writing was on the wall for his batting aspirations and shifted his focus to bowling. Hats off to him for making that bold pivot and achieving what he has. Reaching 500 Test wickets is no walk in the park," Muralitharan told Telecom Asia Sport (telecomasia.net) in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Muttiah Muralitharan had 800 wickets in 133 matches when he announced his retirement from Test cricket. He has observed Ashwin closely and opined on his career. 

"I was at the tail end of my career when he came onto the scene, but he struck me as an astute young man eager to learn. He sought advice, asked thoughtful questions, and put in hard work to better himself. That drive and hunger are what set him apart," Murali was quoted as saying by Telecom Asia Sport.

Ashwin is the seventh most successful bowler in Test history and the second most successful off-spinner behind Murali with 537 Test wickets to his name. "To retire as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests is a monumental feat. Ashwin has made himself, Tamil Nadu cricket, and the entire nation is proud. I wish him all the success in his second innings," said Murali.

Murali also mentioned that Ashwin was always ready to learn something new. 

"Even as his career was winding down, his passion for learning never waned. Look at the variations he developed – proof that he wasn’t content to rest on his laurels. He always kept pushing the envelope," said the Sri Lankan legend.