New Delhi, December 22
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who retired from international cricket.
The PM said the latter’s “jersey no. 99 will be sorely missed”.
Concluding his 14-year international career after the Gabba Test ended in a draw, Ashwin has left behind a rich legacy as one of India’s greatest match-winners.
In his letter, Modi described Ashwin’s retirement as a surprising twist and equated it to an unexpected carrom ball instead of the anticipated off-breaks.
“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,” the letter read.
“Please accept my heartiest congratulations on a career that has been full of brilliance, hard work and putting the team above everything else.
“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,” the letter continued.
“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.
“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.
“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-oriented approach that you are famous for. Many analysts and peers have praised your sharp cricketing brain. I am confident that such knowledge will be of use to youngsters.
“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.
“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,” it concluded.
