NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Monty Panesar on Wednesday expressed admiration for Ravichandran Ashwin's remarkable career, recognising the 38-year-old as one of India's finest spin bowlers.
The cricket community was taken aback when Ashwin, alongside India captain Rohit Sharma, announced his retirement. Prior speculation had grown after cameras captured a poignant exchange between Ashwin and Virat Kohli on the Test's final day.
The significance of the moment became apparent when Kohli embraced an emotional Ashwin, suggesting important news would follow the match's conclusion.
Following the announcement, tributes have poured in celebrating Ashwin's distinguished career. Panesar acknowledged Ashwin as the finest off-spinner in cricket history. He noted Ashwin's contribution of crucial match-winning performances for India.
"Ashwin has always been the greatest off-spinner of all time and one of the greatest spinners coming from India. Inspired by Harbhajan Singh earlier in his career and then obviously he produced some match-winning spells for India... I think he will be remembered for his variations and innovation. I suppose some people call him the scientist of spin and he has been brilliant at the way he was able to keep getting better...," Panesar told news agency ANI.
Beginning his Test career in 2011 against the West Indies, Ashwin established himself as a red-ball specialist. His statistics include 537 wickets from 106 Tests, complemented by 37 five-wicket hauls and 3,503 runs.
In matches against Australia, Ashwin collected 115 wickets across 23 games, maintaining an economy rate of 2.71.
His achievement of 29 dismissals in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series remains unmatched in the competition's history.
Ashwin's statistical achievements are remarkable. He leads as the quickest Indian to secure 350 Test wickets and stands as India's second-highest Test wicket-taker, with 537 dismissals at an economy rate of 2.83.