India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin‘s retirement announcement left each cricket fan internationally surprised. Still among the finest spinners within the recreation, Ashwin referred to as time on his worldwide profession halfway by means of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As the Brisbane Test concluded, there was a way of sorrow within the Indian camp, with Ashwin deciding to hold his boots. Even his teammates within the Indian dressing room have been caught off-guard by the announcement. As Ashwin prepares for one more chapter in his profession, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt letter to the long-lasting spinner who emerged as one of many nation’s largest match-winners within the longest format of the sport.
In his letter, PM Modi wrote how Ashwin’s retirement announcement felt like a ‘carrom ball’. From rising as one of many highest wicket-takers for India in worldwide cricket to the non-public sacrifices made, PM Modi paid his gratitude to the off-spinner from Tamil Nadu for every part he did for the sport and his nation.
Here’s the total textual content of PM Modi’s letter to R Ashwin:
I hope that this letter finds you in one of the best of well being and spirits.
The announcement of your retirement from worldwide cricket shocked followers in India and internationally. At a time when everybody was trying ahead to many extra off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everybody. However, everybody understands that this will need to have been a tough resolution for you as nicely, particularly after the excellent profession you have got had taking part in for India.
Please settle for my heartiest congratulations on a profession that has been filled with brilliance, arduous work and placing the staff above every part else.
As you bid farewell to worldwide cricket, jersey quantity 99 will likely be sorely missed. Cricket lovers will miss the sense of expectation they felt while you took to the crease to bowl – there was all the time a sense that you just have been weaving an online across the opponents which might entice a sufferer any second. You possessed an uncanny potential to outwit batsmen with good outdated off-spin in addition to progressive variations, because the state of affairs demanded.
Each one of many 765 worldwide wickets that you just took throughout all codecs was particular. Holding the document of getting the very best variety of Player of the Series awards in Test matches exhibits the influence you had on the staff’s success in Tests over the past a few years.
As a younger prospect, you took a five-wicket haul on Test debut and went on to be part of the ODI World Cup successful squad in 2011. By the time you bowled the staff to victory within the final over of the Champions Trophy in 2013, you had develop into a key member of the staff. Later, you performed a vital function as a senior within the staff by means of a number of victories in all codecs of the sport. As a participant who has been the ICC Cricketer of the Year, you have got additionally received worldwide acclaim and common respect.
You have showcased your all-round prowess by scoring a century and taking 5 wickets in the identical match, many occasions. With the bat in hand, too, you have got given our nation many reminiscences together with the courageous match-saving innings in Sydney in 2021.
Often individuals are remembered for some fantastic shot that they performed. But you have got the distinctive distinction of being remembered for each a shot and a depart within the legendary match of the WT20 in 2022. Your successful shot elicited nice cheers. The manner you left the ball earlier than it, permitting it on its technique to turning into a large ball, confirmed your presence of thoughts.
Even throughout moments of adversity, your sincerity and dedication got here to the fore. We all keep in mind the best way you flew again to contribute to the staff even when your mom was hospitalised and the time you stored taking part in in opposition to South Africa even while you could not get in contact with your loved ones in the course of the floods in Chennai.
As one observes your profession, your flexibility and adaptableness stand out. The manner you tailor-made your method to go well with varied codecs of the sport was an asset to the staff. I ponder in case your schooling as an engineer helped you within the meticulous and detail-oriented method that you’re well-known for. Many analysts and friends have praised your sharp cricketing mind. I’m assured that such data will come of use to children of future generations.
The wit and heat that you just carry to your conversations have been appreciated by followers. I hope that you’ll proceed to put up ‘Kutti Stories’ on cricket, sports activities and life normally.
As an envoy of the sport each on and off the sphere, you have got made the nation and your loved ones proud. I take this chance to congratulate your dad and mom, your spouse Prithi and your daughters as nicely. Their sacrifices and assist, I’m certain, have been essential to your development as a cricketer and as an individual. I hope that you just get to spend extra time with them, one thing that you’d have regarded ahead to all these years.
May you discover methods to proceed contributing to the sport that you just dearly love.
Once once more, heartiest congratulations on an illustrious profession an needs for the long run.
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