Pakistan batting maestro Babar Azam has reacted to the shocking retirement of veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday.
Ashwin shocked the world earlier this week, announcing his retirement from international cricket effective immediately after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Brisbane.
He revealed his decision during the post-match press conference after the rain-affected third Test concluded in a draw, expressing gratitude for his journey with the Indian cricket team.
Babar Azam, who is currently in South Africa for Pakistan’s all-format series, posted a story on his official Instagram account today, congratulating Ashwin for a wonderful career.
“Congratulations on an incredible career Ravichandran Ashwin,” the former Pakistan captain posted.
Ashwin will go down in history as one of the greatest bowlers to play for India, having represented the country in 106 Test matches and taking 537 wickets at an average of 24.
He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, only behind legendary Anil Kumble, who finished with 619 wickets from 132 Tests.
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Moreover, Ashwin has also scored 3503 runs with six centuries and 14 half-centuries in Test cricket. He is one of 11 all-rounders with more than 3000 runs and 300 wickets.
During his 14-year-long international career, he has also played 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, taking 156 and 72 wickets in the two formats respectively.
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