Anil Kumble shares regret over Ravichandran Ashwin's early retirement

Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble has expressed his feeling after Ravichandran Ashwin surprised the cricket world by announcing his sudden retirement from international cricket.

He made the announcement following the rain-affected third Test between India and Australia that ended in a draw at The Gabba, leaving the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 tied at 1-1.

Anil Kumble reacts to Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket

Reacting to the emotional announcement, Anil Kumble expressed a mix of admiration and disappointment at Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to step away from the international stage all so suddenly. The former Indian head coach had hoped Ashwin would surpass his own record of 619 Test wickets before retiring, but the off-spinner let him down.

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Ashwin had once expressed his desire to retire upon reaching 618 wickets as a tribute to Kumble, India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. However, the all-rounder finished his illustrious career with 537 Test wickets as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

However, Kumble respected Ashwin’s decision and congratulated the spin master well on a fantastic career, but the legendary spinner couldn’t hide his regret that the off-spinner retired before surpassing his 619 Test wickets, saying India will definitely miss the carrom ball specialist.

I would have wanted to see you go beyond 619: Anil Kumble

The Indian legend also called Ashwin a "champion bowler and all-rounder" for India while acknowledging the high expectations he handled throughout his career.

Anil Kumble said in a video shared by ESPNcricinfo: “Congratulations, Ash, on a fantastic career. You’ve been a champion bowler for India, a champion all-rounder for India. You’ll certainly be missed. It’s not that easy, carrying that kind of expectation day in and day out. You’ve done it right throughout your career. You’ve been a match-winner for India, and Team India will certainly miss you. I, for one, am a bit disappointed that you ended your career today at the international level. Ideally, I would have wanted to see you go beyond 619, but you have your reasons for that.”

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The former Indian captain wished the spin master well in his future endeavors. Kumble signed off by saying, “All the best to you in your second chapter. And I am sure it will be as glorious as chapter one. So, Ash, here’s to a fantastic career that you’ve had for India. And congratulations once again. All the very best. Catch you soon.”

Ravichandran Ashwin receives heroic welcome in Chennai

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin returned home to Chennai less than 24 hours after announcing his retirement from international cricket. He was greeted with a warm and heartfelt welcome by his family, close friends, and neighbors. As his car arrived in his neighborhood, trumpets played and drums rolled.

Ashwin was quoted as saying by TOI on his arrival to Chennai: “I don't think Ashwin the cricketer is done; I think Ashwin the Indian cricketer has probably called it time. It's emotional; maybe it will sink in. But for me, it's a great sense of relief and satisfaction...It had been running in my head for a while, but it was very instinctive. I felt it on day 4 and called it on day 5.”