New Delhi: Washington Sundar, a versatile cricketer himself, penned down a heartfelt tribute for his colleague and mentor Ravichandran Ashwin when he announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18th. Sundar conveyed deep admiration for his co-player from Tamil Nadu and underscored the invaluable lessons he has learned from him which he plans to utilize in his upcoming career.
In a surprising turn of events, R Ashwin has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket in all its forms, after the conclusion of the recent Test match between India and Australia at Gabba on Wednesday.
“More than just a teammate – Ash anna, you have been an inspiration, a mentor and a true champion of the game. It’s been an honor to share the field and the dressing room with you,” Washington Sundar said in his social media post, referring fondly to the off-spinner as ‘Ash Anna (Ash brother)’.
“Coming from the same state of TN, I have grown up watching you from the close corners of Chepauk to playing against you and alongside you. Every moment has been a privilege. The learnings, both on and off the field are something I will carry with me forever. Wishing you success and happiness in whatever comes next,” he added.
.@ashwinravi99
pic.twitter.com/z4VlTpVf4M — Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) December 18, 2024
It seems like Washington Sundar is poised to step into Ashwin’s shoes within the Test team. Surprisingly, Sundar was the one taking the front line ahead of Ashwin in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. The Indian Test squad for the Australian series bloated with 18 members, carried three spinning options. Everyone anticipated a face-off between Ashwin and Jadeja for a place in the first Test, but to their surprise, Sundar was the choice the team went with.
The cricketing legend, Sunil Gavaskar, shared his insights on Ashwin’s sudden retirement. He hinted that Sundar’s emergence could have influenced the off-spinner’s choice to hang his boots.
“Maybe Washington Sundar is ahead of him. Rohit said he is flying out tomorrow. So that’s the end of Ashwin as an international cricketer. He has been one heck of a cricketer,” Gavaskar told the broadcasters.
In the three-match Test series at home against New Zealand, Sundar made his mark by taking 18 wickets, a remarkable feat considering it’s his first time back in the Test team since 2021.
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