Ashwin and Kumble (TNCA Cricket/Instagram)
Rahul Dravid, Ravi Shastri, and Anil Kumble were effusive in their praise for Ravichandran Ashwin during a recent felicitation event organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to celebrate the legendary Indian off-spinner crossing the 500-wicket mark and completing 100 Tests.
During the recently concluded five-match Test series between India and England, Ashwin registered several milestones. During the third Test in Rajkot, he made Zak Crawley his 500th victim in the format. He became the fastest Indian bowler to achieve the remarkable feat. Ashwin received his 100th Test cap during the fifth and final encounter between the two cricketing giants in Dharamsala.
Dravid, who is the current India head coach, hopes that the Tamil Nadu cricketer doesn’t bring the curtains down on his illustrious career anytime soon. The former India captain stated that Ashwin has inspired a lot of young spinners in the country and also spoke about the 37-year-old’s inquisitive nature that challenges him as a coach.
“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.
“He always has the desire to contribute to the team’s success. Have really enjoyed my time with him. The good thing about him is that he challenges you, and as a coach, you want that. Looking forward to more such memories with him. He is one of a kind,” Dravid added.
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Keep harassing batsmen for at least a couple of years more: Ravi Shastri
Shastri was the coach of the Indian cricket team before Dravid took over in November 2021. During his tenure with the Indian team, Shastri watched Ashwin bamboozle batters from close quarters. Courtesy of being one of the most popular and active commentators in world cricket, the 61-year-old has witnessed some of the finest spells of the Chennai-born.
During the event, Shastri congratulated Ashwin on reaching the aforementioned milestones and opined that there is a lot of cricket left in him. The all-rounder urged Ashwin to continue tormenting the batters for at least two 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.
Meanwhile, Anil Kumble, who also coached the Indian team for a brief period, rated Ashwin as one of the finest to have played the sport for India. The iconic leg-spinner also mentioned that he fails to fathom how the veteran doesn’t always feature in the playing XI when the Asian giants play overseas.
“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. He should have played his 100th much earlier. However, he doesn’t always get picked while India travels overseas, which perplexes me,” Kumble, who was present in person, said.
Kumble also stated that Ashwin might not be the designated captain of the Indian team but he plays a leadership role in the dressing room.
“Although he hasn’t been the official Indian captain, he has always been a leader in the dressing room. Wonderful to see him dedicate his 500th wicket to his proud father. He still has some international and IPL cricket left in him. Looking forward to see him perform more,” Kumble mentioned.
Ravindra Jadeja, one of Ashwin’s spin-bowling partners, hailed the Rajasthan Royals bowler, terming his contribution to Indian cricket “priceless”.
“Your contribution to the Indian team has been priceless. Looking forward to more,” Jadeja said in a virtual message.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma reminisced about the moments he spent with Ashwin on the cricket field and wished him the best for his future.
“We have played a lot of cricket together and with so many memories. The thing that stands out for you is how you have evolved. It’s been wonderful to play alongside you. Congrats to you and your family. Wish you the best for the future,” Rohit lavished praise on his lethal weapon.