Ravichandran Ashwin to retire after IPL 2024? Rahul Dravid's sensational revelation on 100th Test felicitation

Former cricketers Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Ravi Shastri lauded Ravichandran Ashwin, calling him one of India’s greatest. Dravid wanted Ravichandran Ashwin to continue playing, while Shastri hoped to see him troubling batters for at least two more years.

Ashwin achieved several milestones, including his 100th Test appearance and reaching 500 Test wickets during the recent series against England. The veteran off-spinner became the second bowler in Indian history, after Anil Kumble, to complete 500 Test wickets.

The 37-year-old emerged as the top wicket-taker in the five-match series, taking 26 wickets at an impressive average of 24.81. The spinner also reclaimed his position as the top-ranked Test bowler. The home team secured a 4-1 victory against the Ben Stokes-led side.

Hope Ravichandran Ashwin Is Not Finished – Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid expressed his hope that Ravichandran Ashwin will continue to inspire future generations of spinners. The current Team India coach highlighted Ashwin’s dedication and significant contribution to the team’s success.

“I hope he is not finished. He has moved the craft of spin bowling through his hard work, dedication, and innovation. That’s a great legacy to have. Fantastic! Well done and inspired a whole generation of young spinners,” Dravid said during a felicitation function organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to celebrate Ashwin crossing the 500-wicket mark and completing 100 Tests.

“He always has the desire to contribute to the team’s success. Have really enjoyed my time with him,” Dravid added.

Still Have A Lot Of Cricket Left – Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri encouraged Ravichandran Ashwin to extend his cricket career, expressing confidence in his ability to excel on the field. Shastri urged Ashwin to continue troubling the batters for a few more years.

“Achievements of gigantic proportions. It’s no joke. Wish you the best. I believe you still have a lot of cricket left. Spinners mature with each passing age. Feel very proud. Well done, enjoy and keep harassing batsmen for at least a couple of years more,” said Shastri.

The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer has taken 516 wickets in 100 Test matches at an average of 23.75 in his illustrious career. He has recorded 36 five-wicket hauls in an innings and six 10-wicket hauls in a match.

Should Have Played His 100th Much Earlier – Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble praised Ashwin as one of the finest cricketers to represent the country. He noted that Ashwin should have reached the milestone of 100 Test matches earlier, expressing surprise over his exclusion from overseas Tests.

“In my book, he is one of the best to have represented the country. His numbers have been outstanding. He has an overwhelming co-relation with his and India’s success. He was never satisfied and always wanted more,” Kumble said.

“He should have played his 100th much earlier. However, he doesn’t always get picked while India travels overseas, which perplexes me.”

Anil Kumble holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in Test cricket. The leg-spinner took 619 wickets in 132 Test matches at an average of 29.65. He remains the only Indian bowler to have taken all ten wickets in a single innings of a Test match.

Ravichandran Ashwin will next be seen in action during the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The cricketer will represent the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise in the tournament.

Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin burns entire Pakistan with Highway remark discussing Test Cricket