Australian cricketers honor Ravichandran Ashwin with signed shirt post-retirement
What's the story
Australian cricketers Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins have paid tribute to Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, after his retirement from international cricket.
The duo gifted Ashwin a signed Australian shirt in the corridors of The Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) captured this gesture, just hours after Ashwin's public retirement announcement.
Ashwin bowed out with a staggering 765 wickets across formats, including 537 in Tests.
Here are the details.
Accolades
Cummins and Lyon laud Ashwin's cricketing prowess
Both Cummins and Lyon hailed Ashwin for his brilliant skills on the field.
"Well done mate, thank you, you have been a hell of a cricketer," said Cummins as he presented the shirt to Ashwin.
The Australian players acknowledged Ashwin as an amazing competitor, wishing him well for his future endeavors beyond international cricket.
Reflections
Ashwin reflects on his international cricket journey
During his retirement announcement, Ashwin looked back at his international cricket journey.
He thanked the BCCI and his teammates, especially Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara for their support throughout his career.
Though he retires from international cricket, Ashwin hinted at continuing to play at the club level saying there's still "a bit of punch left" in him as a cricketer.
Lyon on Ashwin
Lyon pays his tribute to legend Ashwin
Star Aussie off-spinner Lyon praised Ashwin and said he has nothing but respect for the Indian legend.
"Nothing but respect (for Ashwin). Just the way Ash has conducted himself on and off the field for a number of years now, and his skill set is incredible. We've got different opinions on different things, there's no right or wrong. But to have those conversations with a bowler like Ashwin is amazing," Lyon said while speaking to Fox Cricket.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
A Legend Bids Adieu to International Cricket 👏👏
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
Hear what R Ashwin’s parting words were to the Indian dressing room 🎥🔽#TeamIndia | @ashwinravi99 https://t.co/6wtwdDOmzX