Former India all-rounder and ex-coach Ravi Shastri praised Ravichandran Ashwin for his constant drive to evolve, a trait that set him apart. Shastri also commended the retired cricketer’s relentless work ethic and pursuit of excellence.
Ashwin (38) surprised the cricket world by announcing his international retirement after The Gabba Test on December 18. His final appearance for India was in the second Test of the series in Adelaide.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri lauded Ashwin as a player always striving for improvement, stating:
“I think what stands out for me was his wanting to evolve all the time. He wasn’t the kind of guy satisfied as to where he started. 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.”
Reflecting on Ashwin’s remarkable record of 765 international wickets, including 537 in Tests, Shastri emphasized that the off-spinner’s stats speak volumes. The 62-year-old remarked:
“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.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDw9jiXJy6v/?igsh=MWw5M25semZ6ems2Nw==
In this decade, Ashwin boasts an impressive average of 21.18, surpassing his overall Test career average of 24. Highlighting this achievement, the former head coach praised the Tamil Nadu cricketer and remarked:
“And for him to do it in his span and the way he has done it, especially when it came to bowling in the last four or five years, I think in India, along with (Ravindra) Jadeja, I think they were a terrific pair, the real spin twins.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDumemVOK4b/?igsh=MWc5bmI4ajlka2x3Mw==
“Jadeja and Ashwin have taken many wickets by complementing each other”- Ravi Shastri
Ashwin, a brilliant spinner, formed a legendary partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, particularly in home Tests. Their synergy was exceptional, and Shastri acknowledged their significant impact on each other’s success.
“They complemented each other well and they spurred each other on you know so I would say a lot of Jadeja’s wickets in the last you know five-six years have come because of Ashwin and vice-versa,” the former all-rounder opined.
Shastri ended his comments on the retired off-spinner by appreciating Ashwin’s approach as a bowler, saying:
“It didn’t matter to him who he was bowling against. You know, he was up for it.”
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.