Reactions pour in as Ashwin draws curtains on international career

While the third Test between India and Australia ended in a stalemate, the spotlight quickly shifted to all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from all formats of the game.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin told reporters on Wednesday.

“I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to expose and probably showcase that in club level cricket, but this will be the last day and I've had a lot of fun,” he added.

Ashwin who featured in 106 Tests for India, his last being the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide, scalped 537 wickets and also scored 3503 runs. He remains the only Test cricketer to have claimed over 500 wickets and six centuries in the longest format of the game.

The 38-year-old also boasts 156 ODI wickets for India from 116 outings and 72 in the T20Is from 65 appearances.

Leading the praises was Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who highlighted Ashwin's match-winning ability and the impact he is bound to have on the next generation of cricketers.

India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah applauded the spin wizard and spoke of the impact he has had on his own career.

India great Sachin Tendulkar also penned a heartfelt note for the Indian all-rounder, speaking of his legacy as a player.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke of Ashwin as a modern great, someone who will define the sport for the generations to come.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri congratulated Ashwin on his international career and conceded that his presence made the sport richer.

West Indies legend Ian Bishop cherished Ashwin's time as an international cricketer over 14 years.

Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who shared the dressing alongside Ashwin at the international as well as domestic level, also commended the latter on his successful run at the highest level.

More to follow...