December 22nd 2024.
The retirement of off-spin master Ravichandran Ashwin from international cricket has left fans and fellow players in awe. The news was met with surprise and admiration, as Ashwin's illustrious 14-year career comes to a close. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the cricketer, acknowledging his significant contribution to the sport.
In his letter to Ashwin, PM Modi reminisced about the player's remarkable journey. From his debut in 2010 to his last game at the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he took 1-53 and made 29 runs, Ashwin has left a lasting impression on the cricket field. The PM described Ashwin's retirement as a surprising twist, comparing it to one of his signature carrom balls that often caught opponents off guard.
The letter continued with praise for Ashwin's career, highlighting his brilliance, hard work, and team spirit. PM Modi also mentioned the impact that Ashwin's jersey number 99 will have on the field, as it will be sorely missed by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike. Ashwin's unique ability to outwit batsmen with both traditional off-spin and innovative variations was acknowledged and applauded.
The PM also noted Ashwin's impressive record of 765 international wickets across all formats, including the highest number of Player of the Series awards in Test matches. He also praised Ashwin's role in India's home dominance and their recent victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Ashwin's record as one of 11 all-rounders with 3000 Test runs and 300 wickets, as well as his shared record of 11 Player-of-the-Series awards with Muttiah Muralitharan, further solidify his position as one of India's greatest match-winners.
PM Modi also commended Ashwin's all-round abilities, noting his numerous instances of scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same match. He specifically mentioned Ashwin's heroic match-saving innings in Sydney in 2021, as well as his memorable shot and leave in the WT20 match in 2022. The PM also highlighted Ashwin's commitment and dedication to the game, even in the face of personal challenges such as his mother's hospitalization and the floods in Chennai.
Ashwin's flexibility and adaptability in different formats of the game were also noted, with PM Modi wondering if his engineering background had a role to play in his meticulous approach to the sport. The PM also praised Ashwin's sharp cricketing brain and expressed confidence that his knowledge and experience will be valuable to future generations of players.
In addition to his on-field achievements, PM Modi also mentioned Ashwin's wit and warmth off the field, which have been appreciated by fans and peers. He encouraged Ashwin to continue sharing his wisdom and insights through his social media posts, particularly his popular "Kutti Stories" on cricket, sports, and life in general.
The PM concluded the letter by congratulating Ashwin's family for their support and sacrifices throughout his career. He expressed hope that Ashwin will now have more time to spend with his loved ones, something that he may have missed while dedicating himself to the game.
In all, PM Modi's letter to Ashwin was a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable career. As Ashwin bids farewell to international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. The PM's message of congratulations and best wishes for the future was a fitting tribute to a true ambassador of the game.
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