'Heartfelt gratitude' - Ravichandran Ashwin thanks PM Modi after being awarded Padma Shri

Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024, and the veteran spinner did so ending up as the second-highest wicket-taker for India. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, the right-arm spinner provided a new dimension to how spinners were perceived in India as Harbhajan Singh’s reign was nearing an end in Indian cricket. 

Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is for India. He has picked 537, 156 and 72 wickets respectively in his illustrious career that spanned over 14 years. On the eve of India’s 76th Republic Day, on January 26, 2025, he was bestowed with the fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri by the Indian government. Subsequently, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, congratulated all the recipients and the cricketer acknowledged through ‘heartfelt gratitude’. 

“Congratulations to all the Padma awardees! India is proud to honour and celebrate their extraordinary achievements. Their dedication and perseverance are truly motivating. Each awardee is synonymous with hardwork, passion and innovation, which has positively impacted countless lives. They teach us the value of striving for excellence and serving society selflessly,” tweeted PM Modi. 

“Thank you so much, sir. Heartfelt gratitude,” Ashwin replied via his official 'X' handle.. 

Here’s Ashwin’s latest tweet on ‘X’: 

Ashwin took retirement after Adelaide Test

Speaking of Ravichandran Ashwin, the cricketer was part of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and got to play only one game, which was the day and night Test in Adelaide. He picked one wicket as India lost the game and was not included in the playing XI.

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Eventually, the Indian stalwart decided to hang his boots at the end of the third Test in Brisbane, which ended in a draw. Australia went on to claim the trophy by 3-1, ending their over nine years of trophy drought and making India lose a spot in the World Test Championship 2025 final.