Kapil Dev expresses displeasure over Ashwin's retirement without a grand farewell
Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has voiced his disappointment over Ravichandran Ashwin’s quiet retirement from international cricket. The legendary all-rounder felt the star off-spinner deserved a grand send-off befitting his illustrious career. Ashwin announced his decision alongside skipper Rohit Sharma during the post-match press conference on Wednesday, following India’s third Test against Australia. His emotional demeanor, coupled with an embrace from Virat Kohli, had already sparked speculation about the announcement.
Kapil Dev expressed his regret, stating, "Ashwin has gone. I wish I had been there; I wouldn't have let him go like that. I would have sent him with a lot of respect and happiness."
Ashwin concludes his remarkable career with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, making him the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history and the second-highest for India, only behind Anil Kumble's 619. His strike rate of 50.73 is the best among bowlers with over 500 wickets, while his bowling average of 24 is ranked third. Ashwin's achievements include 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, a milestone surpassed only by Muttiah Muralitharan and equaled by Shane Warne. He also boasts eight ten-wicket match hauls, the most for an Indian bowler, alongside Kumble.
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A dominant performer on home soil, Ashwin’s contribution to India's stellar record in Test matches over the last decade is unparalleled. Since his debut in 2011, Ashwin has played in 65 consecutive home Tests, winning 47 of them—a feat only bettered by Sachin Tendulkar, who was part of 52 victories. Globally, Alastair Cook holds the record for playing the most home Tests without missing a match (89).
Kapil Dev also highlighted the broader legacy of Indian cricket, remarking on the continuous improvement across generations. “The next generation has to be better than us. If not, the world is not going ahead. We never imagined that somebody would come close to Sachin Tendulkar or Sunil Gavaskar,” he stated.
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Ashwin's retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance that will inspire generations to come.
