India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin‘s retirement announcement left each cricket fan the world over shocked. Nonetheless among the finest spinners within the sport, Ashwin referred to as time on his worldwide profession halfway by means of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Because the Brisbane Check 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 had 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 is the complete textual content of PM Modi’s letter to R Ashwin:
I hope that this letter finds you in the very best of well being and spirits.
The announcement of your retirement from worldwide cricket stunned followers in India and the world over. At a time when everybody was wanting ahead to many extra off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everybody. Nevertheless, everybody understands that this should have been a tough resolution for you as nicely, particularly after the excellent profession you’ve gotten had enjoying for India.
Please settle for my heartiest congratulations on a profession that has been stuffed with brilliance, exhausting work and placing the group above every part else.
As you bid farewell to worldwide cricket, jersey quantity 99 might be sorely missed. Cricket lovers will miss the sense of expectation they felt once you took to the crease to bowl – there was all the time a sense that you just had been weaving an online across the opponents which might entice a sufferer any second. You possessed an uncanny capacity to outwit batsmen with good outdated off-spin in addition to progressive variations, because the state of affairs demanded.
Every 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 Participant of the Sequence awards in Check matches reveals the affect you had on the group’s success in Exams during the last a few years.
As a younger prospect, you took a five-wicket haul on Check debut and went on to be part of the ODI World Cup successful squad in 2011. By the point you bowled the group to victory within the final over of the Champions Trophy in 2013, you had develop into a key member of the group. Later, you performed a vital function as a senior within the group by means of a number of victories in all codecs of the sport. As a participant who has been the ICC Cricketer of the Yr, you’ve gotten additionally received worldwide acclaim and common respect.
You might 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’ve gotten given our nation many recollections together with the courageous match-saving innings in Sydney in 2021.
Typically individuals are remembered for some great shot that they performed. However you’ve gotten 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 way in which you left the ball earlier than it, permitting it on its method 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. All of us bear in mind the way in which you flew again to contribute to the group even when your mom was hospitalised and the time you stored enjoying in opposition to South Africa even once 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 flexibility stand out. The way in which you tailor-made your strategy to swimsuit numerous codecs of the sport was an asset to the group. I ponder in case your training as an engineer helped you within the meticulous and detail-oriented strategy 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 convey to your conversations have been appreciated by followers. I hope that you’ll proceed to publish ‘Kutti Tales’ on cricket, sports activities and life basically.
As an envoy of the sport each on and off the sector, you’ve gotten 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 help, I’m positive, have been essential to your progress 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 seemed ahead to all these years.
Could you discover methods to proceed contributing to the sport that you just dearly love.
As soon as once more, heartiest congratulations on an illustrious profession an needs for the longer term.
Matters talked about on this article