NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has paid a glowing tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin following the legendary all-rounder’s retirement, praising his relentless drive for excellence and evolution throughout his career.
Speaking on The ICC Review after Ashwin’s sudden announcement at the conclusion of the Gabba Test, Shastri reflected on the qualities that made the off-spinner a standout performer.
“What stands out for me was his wanting to evolve all the time,” Shastri said. “He wasn’t the kind of guy satisfied as to where he started.”
Ashwin’s constant innovation, including his work on new deliveries and tweaks to his bowling action, became a hallmark of his game. “He wanted new tricks to be learned. He pursued it, practiced hard at it, and continued to look for new things as his career progressed, to keep up with the times,” Shastri noted.
Ashwin retired as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in international cricket, with 765 wickets, including 537 in Tests. Shastri emphasized the significance of this milestone. “His legacy will be of being a terrific match-winner, a fabulous record, 537 sticks. I mean anyone over 500 (in Test cricket) is special,” he said.
Highlighting Ashwin’s exceptional form in recent years, Shastri pointed to his 175 Test wickets at an average of 21.18 this decade, which outshines his career average of 24.
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Shastri also praised the spin partnership between Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, calling them the “real spin twins.” He explained how their mutual support bolstered their success. “They complemented each other well and spurred each other on. A lot of Jadeja’s wickets in the last five-six years have come because of Ashwin and vice-versa,” Shastri said.
Ashwin’s versatility, reflected in his nearly equal wicket tally against right-handers (269) and left-handers (268), was another standout aspect. “For me, it was his guile, wanting to excel in his craft, and the way he got the ball to dip and drift on the batsman made him stand out,” Shastri remarked.
“It didn’t matter to him who he was bowling against. You know, he was up for it,” Shastri concluded, lauding Ashwin’s unmatched determination and skill.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career, but his legacy as one of India’s greatest match-winners will endure.