<p>With Sai Sudharsan replacing Karun Nair in the Manchester Test against England, debate over who deserves to seal the number three spot began, with former Indian ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin sharing his thoughts on the same. While Nair failed to own that spot across the previous two Tests, scoring 111 across four innings, Sudharsan almost hit a jackpot with his gritty 61 off 151 balls in his return game for India at Old Trafford. Ashwin addressed the elephant in the room, talking about how playing Nair at a position he doesn’t bat at, even in domestic cricket, created a mental block in his head, leading to mediocre outings in the UK.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Karun Nair’s Test career is a tale of two sides. While he found immense success on his first run, including scoring a 303 against England in Chennai in only his third Test before an array of poor scores saw him out of the team, his return after eight years lasted just three Tests. Nair got out on a four-ball duck batting at number six in Leeds before the team promoted him to number three, where his best score of 40 (thus far in this series) came in the previous Test at the Lord’s.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-4th-test-this-game-needs-pant-ex-england-captain-nasser-hussain-prays-for-rishabh-speedy-recovery-foot-injury-1753332054084"><strong>IND vs ENG, 4th Test: ‘This game needs Pant,' Ex-England captain prays for Rishabh’s speedy recovery</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>The management decided to drop him for the Manchester Test and brought in Sudharsan in his place.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“Karun Nair has never played at No. 3. Now, by playing him at No. 3, you have put his mindset in a block,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.<br>He, however, praised Sai for soaking up the pressure of doing well on his return after getting dropped after just one Test (at Headingley).&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“Credit to Sai Sudharsan, because it is not easy being a youngster after getting dropped and with India 1-2 behind in the series to come into the fourth Test and respond the way he did. I think he has to own that No. 3 for the near future to be able to give a bit of solidity for the team,” Ashwin continued.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Talking highly of his fellow state player, who got out on 61 playing a pull shot to Ben Stokes late on day one in Manchester, Ashwin said, “He showed that sort of solidity. He was able to leave the ball. He earned the right to score those runs. I am a bit upset because I am a huge well-wisher of him. He could have scored a hundred.”<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Team India sits comfortably after the first day’s play despite losing Rishabh Pant to injury, as their scorecard reads 264 for four, with two all-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease.</p>

Karun Nair’s Test career is a tale of two sides. While he found immense success on his first run, including scoring a 303 against England in Chennai in only his third Test before an array of poor scores saw him out of the team, his return after eight years lasted just three Tests.

With Sai Sudharsan replacing Karun Nair in the Manchester Test against England, debate over who deserves to seal the number three spot began, with former Indian ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin sharing his thoughts on the same. While Nair failed to own that spot across the previous two Tests, scoring 111 across four innings, Sudharsan almost hit a jackpot with his gritty 61 off 151 balls in his return game for India at Old Trafford. Ashwin addressed the elephant in the room, talking about how playing Nair at a position he doesn’t bat at, even in domestic cricket, created a mental block in his head, leading to mediocre outings in the UK. Karun Nair’s Test career is a tale of two sides. While he found immense success on his first run, including scoring a 303 against England in Chennai in only his third Test before an array of poor scores saw him out of the team, his return after eight years lasted just three Tests. Nair got out on a four-ball duck batting at number six in Leeds before the team promoted him to number three, where his best score of 40 (thus far in this series) came in the previous Test at the Lord’s. Also read | IND vs ENG, 4th Test: ‘This game needs Pant,' Ex-England captain prays for Rishabh’s speedy recovery The management decided to drop him for the Manchester Test and brought in Sudharsan in his place. “Karun Nair has never played at No. 3. Now, by playing him at No. 3, you have put his mindset in a block,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. He, however, praised Sai for soaking up the pressure of doing well on his return after getting dropped after just one Test (at Headingley). “Credit to Sai Sudharsan, because it is not easy being a youngster after getting dropped and with India 1-2 behind in the series to come into the fourth Test and respond the way he did. I think he has to own that No. 3 for the near future to be able to give a bit of solidity for the team,” Ashwin continued. Talking highly of his fellow state player, who got out on 61 playing a pull shot to Ben Stokes late on day one in Manchester, Ashwin said, “He showed that sort of solidity. He was able to leave the ball. He earned the right to score those runs. I am a bit upset because I am a huge well-wisher of him. He could have scored a hundred.” Meanwhile, Team India sits comfortably after the first day’s play despite losing Rishabh Pant to injury, as their scorecard reads 264 for four, with two all-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur at the crease.

<p>Karun Nair’s Test career is a tale of two sides. While he found immense success on his first run, including scoring a 303 against England in Chennai in only his third Test before an array of poor scores saw him out of the team, his return after eight years lasted just three Tests.</p>

Who among Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair should be India’s new number three in Tests? Ravi Ashwin answers

<p>Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin are two of the greatest off-spinners, let alone from India. While one played against perhaps the toughest modern-day batters, the other is among the top ten highest wicket takers in Tests. Each scaled heights like none could and won accolades in abundance. However, rumours of an unsaid bitterness or jealousy between the two that unfolded during the captaincy transition from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli made headlines back in the day. Clearing the air on whether there was something like that between them, Harbhajan said he did see Ashwin as a competitor but was never jealous of him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ashwin confronted Harbhajan on this talk show ‘Kutti stories with Ash’, asking the two-time World Cup winner if there was a time when Bhajji, as the fans used to call Harbhajan, ever felt jealousy against Ashwin during their playing days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sarfaraz-khan-weight-loss-journey-shocks-internet-kevin-pietersen-in-awe-urges-prithvi-shaw-to-follow-fitness-routine-1753095618420"><strong>Sarfaraz Khan’s weight-loss journey shocks internet; Kevin Pietersen in awe, urges THIS Indian batter to take inspiration</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Answering every question thrown at him, Harbhajan first praised Ashwin for the legacy that he left behind, ending his career as the Indian with second most wickets to his name in Tests (after Anil Kumble), and secondly took a sly dig at the pitches prepared post Harbhajan-era (during Dhoni and Kohli’s captaincy), which he called rank-turners that supported spin bowling throughout.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“I just want to make one point very clear. When you came into the side, it immediately struck me that this could be the guy who will be playing for a long time,” admitted Harbhajan on Ashwin’s talk show. “I saw you as my competition. I was a senior who had picked up 400 wickets, and it did cross my mind. I thought I would have to step up my game.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“But I feel everything happens for a reason. I played this game; I also replaced someone (Rajesh Chauhan). A place in the Indian cricket team is not permanent,” he said.</p><h2>Harbhajan criticises pitches during Kohli’s captaincy&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>It’s not a secret that India prepared rank turners at home during Virat Kohli’s captaincy tenure, which aided spin big time, with both Ashwin and India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja getting significant purchases, adding to their wickets tally.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking on the same, Harbhajan, who was among the first to criticise such pitches, where the games used to end inside three days mostly, stood firm, saying, ‘I spoke about pitches. I stand by it even now. There was so much help from the wickets. I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, but I feel that the pitches we played on were different. It was evident — games were getting over in three or four days.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“But again, you have to bowl well to take wickets. I have bowled on rank turners where I failed to take a single wicket. “I wasn’t criticising pitches because Ashwin was taking wickets. My problem was with the kind of wickets that were getting prepared,” he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WATCH VIDEO CLIP -</strong></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Harbhajan Singh: Unfiltered<br><br>An epic conversation on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KuttiStoriesWithAsh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KuttiStoriesWithAsh</a>, powered by <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterEngland_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeterEngland_</a>, is out.<br><br>All your questions and doubts, cleared. Fasten your seat belts!<a href="https://t.co/PDO7ozzSKe">https://t.co/PDO7ozzSKe</a> <a href="https://t.co/3WyzVzwIqc">pic.twitter.com/3WyzVzwIqc</a></p>&mdash; Kutti Stories with Ash (@crikipidea) <a href="https://twitter.com/crikipidea/status/1946895657437962281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ashwin confronted Harbhajan on this talk show ‘Kutti stories with Ash’, asking the two-time World Cup winner if there was a time when Bhajji, as the fans used to call Harbhajan, ever felt jealousy against Ashwin during their playing days.

Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin are two of the greatest off-spinners, let alone from India. While one played against perhaps the toughest modern-day batters, the other is among the top ten highest wicket takers in Tests. Each scaled heights like none could and won accolades in abundance. However, rumours of an unsaid bitterness or jealousy between the two that unfolded during the captaincy transition from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli made headlines back in the day. Clearing the air on whether there was something like that between them, Harbhajan said he did see Ashwin as a competitor but was never jealous of him. Ashwin confronted Harbhajan on this talk show ‘Kutti stories with Ash’, asking the two-time World Cup winner if there was a time when Bhajji, as the fans used to call Harbhajan, ever felt jealousy against Ashwin during their playing days. Also read | Sarfaraz Khan’s weight-loss journey shocks internet; Kevin Pietersen in awe, urges THIS Indian batter to take inspiration Answering every question thrown at him, Harbhajan first praised Ashwin for the legacy that he left behind, ending his career as the Indian with second most wickets to his name in Tests (after Anil Kumble), and secondly took a sly dig at the pitches prepared post Harbhajan-era (during Dhoni and Kohli’s captaincy), which he called rank-turners that supported spin bowling throughout. “I just want to make one point very clear. When you came into the side, it immediately struck me that this could be the guy who will be playing for a long time,” admitted Harbhajan on Ashwin’s talk show. “I saw you as my competition. I was a senior who had picked up 400 wickets, and it did cross my mind. I thought I would have to step up my game. “But I feel everything happens for a reason. I played this game; I also replaced someone (Rajesh Chauhan). A place in the Indian cricket team is not permanent,” he said. Harbhajan criticises pitches during Kohli’s captaincy It’s not a secret that India prepared rank turners at home during Virat Kohli’s captaincy tenure, which aided spin big time, with both Ashwin and India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja getting significant purchases, adding to their wickets tally. Speaking on the same, Harbhajan, who was among the first to criticise such pitches, where the games used to end inside three days mostly, stood firm, saying, ‘I spoke about pitches. I stand by it even now. There was so much help from the wickets. I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, but I feel that the pitches we played on were different. It was evident — games were getting over in three or four days. “But again, you have to bowl well to take wickets. I have bowled on rank turners where I failed to take a single wicket. “I wasn’t criticising pitches because Ashwin was taking wickets. My problem was with the kind of wickets that were getting prepared,” he added. WATCH VIDEO CLIP -

<p>Ashwin confronted Harbhajan on this talk show ‘Kutti stories with Ash’, asking the two-time World Cup winner if there was a time when Bhajji, as the fans used to call Harbhajan, ever felt jealousy against Ashwin during their playing days.</p>

‘I spoke about pitches, I stand by it now,’ Harbhajan takes sly dig at Kohli on Ashwin’s talk show

From Muttiah Muralitharan to Malcolm Marshall, here's a look at top five bowlers fastest to take 300 wickets in Test cricket. This list also includes Ravichandran Ashwin, Dennis Lillee and Richard Hadlee.

<p>From Muttiah Muralitharan to Malcolm Marshall, here's a look at top five bowlers fastest to take 300 wickets in Test cricket. This list also includes Ravichandran Ashwin, Dennis Lillee and Richard Hadlee.</p>

From Muttiah Muralitharan to Malcolm Marshall: 5 bowlers fastest to take 300 wickets in Test cricket

From Muttiah Muralitharan to Richard Hadlee, here's a look at the top five bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls in Tests.

<p>From Muttiah Muralitharan to Richard Hadlee, here's a look at the top five bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls in Tests.</p>

From Muttiah Muralitharan to Richard Hadlee: Top 5 bowlers with most 5-wicket hauls in Tests, two Indians on list

From Ravichandran Ashwin to Jasprit Bumrah, meet 5 bowlers with the most Test wickets since 2020 also featuring Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

<p>From Ravichandran Ashwin to Jasprit Bumrah, meet 5 bowlers with the most Test wickets since 2020 also featuring Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.</p>

From Ravichandran Ashwin to Jasprit Bumrah, meet 5 bowlers with most Test wickets since 2020

<p>Days after making headlines for showing dissent over an umpire’s call that resulted in his dismissal, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is now locked in a ball-tampering controversy during the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) edition. The organisers, however, have asked Madurai Panthers, the franchise that wrote an official complaint to TNPL accusing Ashwin and his team of illegal activity, for proof of it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A day after Ashwin’s Dindigul Dragons faced Madurai Panthers in TNPL 2025, the Panthers raised a complaint against the Dragons, accusing them of using towels treated with chemicals to alter the ball’s condition, which resulted in the ball getting heavier and making a metallic sound after coming in contact with the bat.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>However, considering the gravity of such allegations levelled against a former Indian cricketer and his local franchise, the organisers demanded full proof of it.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/yograj-singh-yuvraj-singh-father-tears-into-bcci-selectors-for-pushing-careers-of-seven-players-into-gutter-ms-dhoni-dravid-laxman-harbhajan-zaheer-1750074514824"><strong>Yograj Singh tears into BCCI selectors for pushing careers of ‘these seven players into gutter’</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>“They have filed a complaint, which we have acknowledged. Though they have to lodge any complaints within 24 hours of the game, we have still accepted it and have asked them to furnish proof of their allegations. We will be forming an independent committee if we find there is any truth to their allegations. Without sufficient evidence, it is wrong to put forth such allegations against a player and another franchise. If they don’t provide any evidence, then Madurai will face due sanctions,” TNPL’s CEO Prasanna Kannan said in a chat with The Indian Express.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, in the letter to TNPL, the Madurai franchise COO, S Mahesh, wrote, “A serious case of ball tampering occurred during our recent match against Dindigul Dragons. Despite repeated warnings, the Dindigul team blatantly tampered with the ball, using towels that appeared to have been treated with chemicals.”</p><h2>Rain, cricket and allegations<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>Considering the ongoing edition coincides with the monsoon season, the matches are often hampered by passing showers, and such was the case with this game the past Saturday (June 14) in Salem, where there was a delayed start.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Batting first, Madurai scored 150 for eight, only for Dindigul to complete the chase with nine wickets and more than seven overs remaining.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Besides, Prasanna Kannan also explained that it’s for the very reason the organisers themselves provide all players with towels to dry the ball during the game, but in front of the umpires.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“They have to dry the ball only using the towels provided by TNPL. And every time the ball is hit for a six or immediately after a dismissal and over-break, umpires regularly check the ball, and they didn’t find any issue with the ball during the said match,” Kannan continued.&nbsp;</p>

Ravi Ashwin locked in ball-tampering controversy in TNPL 2025

Days after making headlines for showing dissent over an umpire’s call that resulted in his dismissal, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is now locked in a ball-tampering controversy during the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) edition. The organisers, however, have asked Madurai Panthers, the franchise that wrote an official complaint to TNPL accusing Ashwin and his team of illegal activity, for proof of it. A day after Ashwin’s Dindigul Dragons faced Madurai Panthers in TNPL 2025, the Panthers raised a complaint against the Dragons, accusing them of using towels treated with chemicals to alter the ball’s condition, which resulted in the ball getting heavier and making a metallic sound after coming in contact with the bat. However, considering the gravity of such allegations levelled against a former Indian cricketer and his local franchise, the organisers demanded full proof of it. Also read | Yograj Singh tears into BCCI selectors for pushing careers of ‘these seven players into gutter’ “They have filed a complaint, which we have acknowledged. Though they have to lodge any complaints within 24 hours of the game, we have still accepted it and have asked them to furnish proof of their allegations. We will be forming an independent committee if we find there is any truth to their allegations. Without sufficient evidence, it is wrong to put forth such allegations against a player and another franchise. If they don’t provide any evidence, then Madurai will face due sanctions,” TNPL’s CEO Prasanna Kannan said in a chat with The Indian Express. Meanwhile, in the letter to TNPL, the Madurai franchise COO, S Mahesh, wrote, “A serious case of ball tampering occurred during our recent match against Dindigul Dragons. Despite repeated warnings, the Dindigul team blatantly tampered with the ball, using towels that appeared to have been treated with chemicals.” Rain, cricket and allegations Considering the ongoing edition coincides with the monsoon season, the matches are often hampered by passing showers, and such was the case with this game the past Saturday (June 14) in Salem, where there was a delayed start. Batting first, Madurai scored 150 for eight, only for Dindigul to complete the chase with nine wickets and more than seven overs remaining. Besides, Prasanna Kannan also explained that it’s for the very reason the organisers themselves provide all players with towels to dry the ball during the game, but in front of the umpires. “They have to dry the ball only using the towels provided by TNPL. And every time the ball is hit for a six or immediately after a dismissal and over-break, umpires regularly check the ball, and they didn’t find any issue with the ball during the said match,” Kannan continued.

<p>Considering the gravity of such allegations levelled against a former Indian cricketer and his local franchise, the organisers demanded full proof of it.</p>

Ravi Ashwin locked in ball-tampering controversy in TNPL 2025; organisers ask Madurai Panthers for proof

<p>Former Indian cricketer and Test great Ravichandran Ashwin lost his cool over a Leg-Before Wicket (LBW) call during a TNPL 2025 game between Dindigul Dragons and IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans on Sunday (June 8). Ashwin, often known and looked up to for his maintained on-field conduct, was furious over his dismissal, later arguing with the female on-field umpire and smashing his bat on his pads in agony upon returning to the pavilion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Playing at the SNR College Cricket Ground in Coimbatore, Ashwin, who opened the batting for the team (Dindigul Dragons) he was leading, had earlier exhausted two reviews on wide deliveries by the fourth over, with this instance occurring on the penultimate ball of the next one.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>His state teammate, Sai Kishore, was the one who accounted for his dismissal, irking Ashwin, who made the whole episode ugly to watch for the onlookers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bcci-changes-venues-for-2025-international-home-season-over-concerns-around-post-diwali-aqi-indian-cricket-team-south-africa-delhi-kolkata-1749455542851"><strong>BCCI changes venues for 2025 home season over concerns around post-Diwali AQI</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Bowling around the wickets to Ashwin, Sai pitched one outside of the leg stump, with Ashwin trying to play a sweep shot, only to miss it. Though that ball seemed to have hit his pads in front of the wickets, perhaps kissing the top of the stumps, should that have been reviewed, the female on-field umpire, Venkatesan Krithika, took no time in adjudging him out.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Shocked over the decision, Ashwin approached her agonisingly, later pointing towards the wicket to indicate the ball pitched outside of the leg stump and that she was wrong in her call. Considering he had no reviews left to challenge her decision, Ashwin had to walk back to the pavilion. However, his actions were loud as he smashed his pads in anger while returning.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Ashwin’s frustration was compounded as his team got all out on just 93 inside 17 overs, further losing the match by nine wickets.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>With the bat, he was the second-highest run-getter for the team, scoring 18, but went wicketless in his two overs, conceding 28 runs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WATCH VIDEO -</strong></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">Ash அண்ணா Not Happy அண்ணாச்சி! 😶‍🌫<br><br>📺 தொடர்ந்து காணுங்கள் | TNPL 2025 | iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Dindigul Dragons | Star Sports தமிழில் <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNPLOnJioStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNPLOnJioStar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNPL2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNPL2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/Csc2ldnRS3">pic.twitter.com/Csc2ldnRS3</a></p>&mdash; Star Sports Tamil (@StarSportsTamil) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsTamil/status/1931718072446157195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WATCH - Ravi Ashwin loses cool over LBW call in TNPL 2025, shouts at female umpire, smashes bat in agony

Former Indian cricketer and Test great Ravichandran Ashwin lost his cool over a Leg-Before Wicket (LBW) call during a TNPL 2025 game between Dindigul Dragons and IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans on Sunday (June 8). Ashwin, often known and looked up to for his maintained on-field conduct, was furious over his dismissal, later arguing with the female on-field umpire and smashing his bat on his pads in agony upon returning to the pavilion. Playing at the SNR College Cricket Ground in Coimbatore, Ashwin, who opened the batting for the team (Dindigul Dragons) he was leading, had earlier exhausted two reviews on wide deliveries by the fourth over, with this instance occurring on the penultimate ball of the next one. His state teammate, Sai Kishore, was the one who accounted for his dismissal, irking Ashwin, who made the whole episode ugly to watch for the onlookers. Also read | BCCI changes venues for 2025 home season over concerns around post-Diwali AQI Bowling around the wickets to Ashwin, Sai pitched one outside of the leg stump, with Ashwin trying to play a sweep shot, only to miss it. Though that ball seemed to have hit his pads in front of the wickets, perhaps kissing the top of the stumps, should that have been reviewed, the female on-field umpire, Venkatesan Krithika, took no time in adjudging him out. Shocked over the decision, Ashwin approached her agonisingly, later pointing towards the wicket to indicate the ball pitched outside of the leg stump and that she was wrong in her call. Considering he had no reviews left to challenge her decision, Ashwin had to walk back to the pavilion. However, his actions were loud as he smashed his pads in anger while returning. Meanwhile, Ashwin’s frustration was compounded as his team got all out on just 93 inside 17 overs, further losing the match by nine wickets. With the bat, he was the second-highest run-getter for the team, scoring 18, but went wicketless in his two overs, conceding 28 runs. WATCH VIDEO -

<p>Ashwin's state teammate, Sai Kishore, was the one who accounted for his dismissal, irking Ashwin, who made the whole episode ugly to watch for the onlookers.</p>

From MS Dhoni to Rohit Sharma, here are the top six players who have featured in most IPL playoff games. They include Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina.  Cricket | Sports | Photos

Top 6 IPL stars to feature in most IPL Playoff games

Discover the top 6 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history. They include Ravindra Jadeja, Trent Boult, Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohit Sharma and Dwayne Bravo. Cricket | Sports | Photos 

6 bowlers with most wickets in IPL playoffs

From MS Dhoni to Faf du Plessis, these 6 IPL veterans comprising of Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ishant Sharma and  Ravichandran Ashwin might retire after IPL 2025. Sports Photos Cricket

End of an era: 6 Legends who might retire after IPL 2025

Here's a look at five players Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might release after IPL 2025 MS Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda and Devon Conway. Cricket | Sports | Photos 

5 Players CSK might release after IPL 2025

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravichandran-ashwin" rel="dofollow">Ravichandran Ashwin</a> will not be discussing, reviewing or even previewing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/chennai-super-kings-csk" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> matches on his YouTube channel following a recent backlash on social media relating to one of the videos he posted (now deleted) where the fans called out one of his guests for criticising some of CSK players and their selection.</p>
<p>A controversy hit social media when Prasanna Agoram, a former data analyst for South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and a regular guest on his channel, picked on Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmed&rsquo;s selection for CSK games despite the team having an Indian duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in their ranks.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He criticised Noor&rsquo;s selection, saying the team could benefit from playing an extra batter ahead of an overseas spinner, with CSK fans coming down hard on him for his remarks.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/srh-owner-kavya-marans-animated-reaction-to-head-abhisheks-dismissals-against-gt-watch-viral-video-8933705" rel="dofollow">SRH owner Kavya Maran&rsquo;s animated reaction to Head, Abhishek&rsquo;s dismissals against GT &ndash; Watch Viral Video</a></strong></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Chennai has been on the downward graph since winning their tournament opener against Mumbai Indians at home.&nbsp;They have lost three matches since, including the home game against the RCB for the first time in 17 years and lately to Delhi Capitals (DC), again at home for the first time since 2010. With just one win in four contested matches, CSK sits in ninth place on the points table.</p>
<p>However, the player in question here, Noor, leads the wickets tally thus far, having picked 10 from four matches, while Ashwin and Jadeja have picked four wickets between them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Given the nature of the discussions on this forum over the last week, we want to be mindful of how things can be interpreted and have chosen to step away from covering CSK games, both previews and reviews, for the rest of this season," read a note from the admin of Ashwin's channel.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"We value the diversity of perspectives that come through on our shows and remain committed to ensuring the conversation stays true to the integrity and purpose of the platform we've established. The views expressed by our guests do not reflect Ashwin's personal opinions.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t follow that stuff&rsquo;</h2>
<p>Following CSK&rsquo;s latest bashing at the hands of DC in Chepauk, team coach Stephen Fleming expressed his thoughts on this controversy, saying, "I have no idea. I didn't even know he [Ashwin] had a channel, so I don't follow that stuff. That's irrelevant."</p>
<p>Meanwhile, CSK&rsquo;s next game is against Punjab Kings on Tuesday (Apr 8).&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Since winning their tournament opener against MI, Chennai has lost three straight matches, and sits in the ninth position on the points table.

Ravichandran Ashwin will not be discussing, reviewing or even previewing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL 2025 matches on his YouTube channel following a recent backlash on social media relating to one of the videos he posted (now deleted) where the fans called out one of his guests for criticising some of CSK players and their selection. A controversy hit social media when Prasanna Agoram, a former data analyst for South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and a regular guest on his channel, picked on Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmed’s selection for CSK games despite the team having an Indian duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in their ranks. He criticised Noor’s selection, saying the team could benefit from playing an extra batter ahead of an overseas spinner, with CSK fans coming down hard on him for his remarks. Also read | SRH owner Kavya Maran’s animated reaction to Head, Abhishek’s dismissals against GT – Watch Viral Video Meanwhile, Chennai has been on the downward graph since winning their tournament opener against Mumbai Indians at home. They have lost three matches since, including the home game against the RCB for the first time in 17 years and lately to Delhi Capitals (DC), again at home for the first time since 2010. With just one win in four contested matches, CSK sits in ninth place on the points table. However, the player in question here, Noor, leads the wickets tally thus far, having picked 10 from four matches, while Ashwin and Jadeja have picked four wickets between them. "Given the nature of the discussions on this forum over the last week, we want to be mindful of how things can be interpreted and have chosen to step away from covering CSK games, both previews and reviews, for the rest of this season," read a note from the admin of Ashwin's channel. "We value the diversity of perspectives that come through on our shows and remain committed to ensuring the conversation stays true to the integrity and purpose of the platform we've established. The views expressed by our guests do not reflect Ashwin's personal opinions.” ‘I don’t follow that stuff’ Following CSK’s latest bashing at the hands of DC in Chepauk, team coach Stephen Fleming expressed his thoughts on this controversy, saying, "I have no idea. I didn't even know he [Ashwin] had a channel, so I don't follow that stuff. That's irrelevant." Meanwhile, CSK’s next game is against Punjab Kings on Tuesday (Apr 8). (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: No discussion of CSK matches on Ashwin’s YouTube channel after social media backlash

<p>Former India spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravichandran-ashwin" rel="dofollow">Ravichandran Ashwin</a> made a startling revelation ahead of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. After rejoining Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where it all began for him in this cash-rich league, Ashwin, who&rsquo;d be playing alongside his former India and CSK captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ms-dhoni" rel="dofollow">MS Dhoni</a>, revealed that he invited Dhoni for his 100th Test earlier last year in Dharamsala (against England), wanting him to hand over the memento, but that failed to get materialised as Dhoni couldn&rsquo;t make it.</p>
<p>Ashwin added he wanted that Test to be his last, but because MS failed to make it, he continued playing; after the third BGT Test against Australia at the Gabba in December 2025, Ashwin announced his international retirement.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/for-me-it-was-about-surviving-hardik-pandya-on-fans-booing-him-in-ipl-2024-8859443" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;For me, it was about surviving,&rsquo; Hardik Pandya on fans booing him in IPL 2024</a></strong></p>
<p>Ashwin said even though Dhoni couldn&rsquo;t make it to his 100th Test, how he made up for that by bringing him to CSK was remarkable.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I called MS Dhoni for my 100th Test in Dharamshala to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. But he couldn&rsquo;t make it. However, I didn&rsquo;t think he would give me the gift of getting me back to CSK. It&rsquo;s a much better one. So, thank you, MS, for doing it. I&rsquo;m glad to be here,&rdquo; Ashwin said during a book launch event on Sunday.</p>
<p>Further talking about his homecoming in the IPL, Ashwin said CSK is a wonderful place to be and that he&rsquo;s happy to complete a full circle.</p>
<p>"Most importantly, I have come back to CSK not as someone who has achieved so much but as someone who has gone through the full circle and wants to come back here and enjoy just like before. It is a wonderful place to be," he added.</p>
<h2>Ashwin&rsquo;s return to CSK</h2>
<p>After Rajasthan Royals decided against retaining him ahead of the mega auction late last year, CSK chased its former match winner, eventually bagging his service for INR 9.75 crore.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/massive-boost-for-rajasthan-royals-as-star-indian-duo-joins-squad-ahead-of-ipl-2025-sanju-samson-yashasvi-jaiswal-8859055" rel="dofollow">Massive boost for Rajasthan Royals as star Indian duo joins squad ahead of IPL 2025</a></strong></p>
<p>Ashwin's return to the Yellow Army completes the famous trio of Dhoni, Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, which once ruled franchise and Indian cricket, taking both to massive heights.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Ravi Ashwin said even though MS Dhoni couldn’t make it to his 100th Test last year, how he made up for that by bringing him to CSK was remarkable.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a startling revelation ahead of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. After rejoining Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where it all began for him in this cash-rich league, Ashwin, who’d be playing alongside his former India and CSK captain MS Dhoni, revealed that he invited Dhoni for his 100th Test earlier last year in Dharamsala (against England), wanting him to hand over the memento, but that failed to get materialised as Dhoni couldn’t make it. Ashwin added he wanted that Test to be his last, but because MS failed to make it, he continued playing; after the third BGT Test against Australia at the Gabba in December 2025, Ashwin announced his international retirement. Also read | ‘For me, it was about surviving,’ Hardik Pandya on fans booing him in IPL 2024 Ashwin said even though Dhoni couldn’t make it to his 100th Test, how he made up for that by bringing him to CSK was remarkable. “I called MS Dhoni for my 100th Test in Dharamshala to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. But he couldn’t make it. However, I didn’t think he would give me the gift of getting me back to CSK. It’s a much better one. So, thank you, MS, for doing it. I’m glad to be here,” Ashwin said during a book launch event on Sunday. Further talking about his homecoming in the IPL, Ashwin said CSK is a wonderful place to be and that he’s happy to complete a full circle. "Most importantly, I have come back to CSK not as someone who has achieved so much but as someone who has gone through the full circle and wants to come back here and enjoy just like before. It is a wonderful place to be," he added. Ashwin’s return to CSK After Rajasthan Royals decided against retaining him ahead of the mega auction late last year, CSK chased its former match winner, eventually bagging his service for INR 9.75 crore. Also read | Massive boost for Rajasthan Royals as star Indian duo joins squad ahead of IPL 2025 Ashwin's return to the Yellow Army completes the famous trio of Dhoni, Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, which once ruled franchise and Indian cricket, taking both to massive heights. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Invited MS Dhoni for my 100th Test but…,’ Ravi Ashwin makes a startling revelation

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravi-ashwin" rel="dofollow">Ravichandran Ashwin</a> has returned to his debut franchise in the cash-rich Indian Premier League. After plying his trade for several teams since leaving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/csk" rel="dofollow">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> in 2015, Ashwin said he &lsquo;felt odd&rsquo; on his homecoming after a decade. Ashwin made his IPL debut one year after its inception in 2008, playing for the Chennai-based franchise for the coming seven editions and winning several trophies.</p>
<p>The ace India spinner, who announced his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-hugs-emotional-sendoffs-and-whatnot-ravi-ashwins-final-moments-as-indian-cricketer-785124" rel="dofollow">international retirement midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a> late last year, will play for CSK in IPL 2025 after the Kings shelled out $1.1m (INR 9.75 crore) at last year&rsquo;s mega auction. CSK won the bidding war against the Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shubman-gill-to-make-odi-captaincy-debut-against-new-zealand-in-champions-trophy-report-8765445" rel="dofollow">Shubman Gill to make ODI captaincy debut against New Zealand in Champions Trophy &ndash; Report</a></strong></p>
<p>Speaking on a video posted by CSK&rsquo;s social media handles, Ashwin said it felt odd returning after so many years. He acknowledged the environment, saying everything and everyone is the same and that he felt like some senior upon rejoining the CSK squad ahead of the next season.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It feels odd, actually. It has been so many years since I left, right? I am coming back into this same team. All the people are the same. Every day, I used to practice vigorously for the season. After I came here today, I feel, I am a very senior person. But OK. Nevertheless, it&rsquo;s a good feeling. I am looking forward to going to Chepauk as well,&rdquo; Ashwin said in the video on CSK&rsquo;s social media handle.</p>
<h2>Watch Video -</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7opvgac-3lzfh445-iol774p6">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yellove remains constant for you, Ash! 💛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁💛<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://t.co/INWZgL4Mci">pic.twitter.com/INWZgL4Mci</a></p>
&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1895393828833800436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>Playing for CSK in the seven editions previously, Ashwin had picked 90 wickets in 97 IPL matches at a reasonable economy of 6.46. On the other hand, he even represented CSK in the now-defunct Champions League T20, where he picked 30 wickets at an economy of 7.44.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, CSK will play their tournament opener against their long-time rivals, Mumbai Indians (MI), in a home game on Sunday evening (Mar 23). The return fixture is scheduled for April 20 at the Wankhede in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Sports, Cricket: CSK won the bidding war against the Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals for Ravi Ashwin at last year's auction.

Ravichandran Ashwin has returned to his debut franchise in the cash-rich Indian Premier League. After plying his trade for several teams since leaving Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2015, Ashwin said he ‘felt odd’ on his homecoming after a decade. Ashwin made his IPL debut one year after its inception in 2008, playing for the Chennai-based franchise for the coming seven editions and winning several trophies. The ace India spinner, who announced his international retirement midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy late last year, will play for CSK in IPL 2025 after the Kings shelled out $1.1m (INR 9.75 crore) at last year’s mega auction. CSK won the bidding war against the Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. Also read | Shubman Gill to make ODI captaincy debut against New Zealand in Champions Trophy – Report Speaking on a video posted by CSK’s social media handles, Ashwin said it felt odd returning after so many years. He acknowledged the environment, saying everything and everyone is the same and that he felt like some senior upon rejoining the CSK squad ahead of the next season. “It feels odd, actually. It has been so many years since I left, right? I am coming back into this same team. All the people are the same. Every day, I used to practice vigorously for the season. After I came here today, I feel, I am a very senior person. But OK. Nevertheless, it’s a good feeling. I am looking forward to going to Chepauk as well,” Ashwin said in the video on CSK’s social media handle. Watch Video - Yellove remains constant for you, Ash! 💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛@ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/INWZgL4Mci — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 28, 2025 Playing for CSK in the seven editions previously, Ashwin had picked 90 wickets in 97 IPL matches at a reasonable economy of 6.46. On the other hand, he even represented CSK in the now-defunct Champions League T20, where he picked 30 wickets at an economy of 7.44. Meanwhile, CSK will play their tournament opener against their long-time rivals, Mumbai Indians (MI), in a home game on Sunday evening (Mar 23). The return fixture is scheduled for April 20 at the Wankhede in Mumbai. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: ‘I feel I am a very senior person,’ Ashwin’s first impression of CSK homecoming

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a scathing dig at Babar Azam after he played a slow innings during Pakistan&rsquo;s defeat to New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 contest. Tasked to chase 321 runs, Pakistan lost by 60 runs during which Babar played a 64-run knock. The innings was later criticised by Ashwin as he compared the innings with the turtle from &ldquo;The Tortoise and Rabbit Story&rdquo;.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Babar&rsquo;s journey to 50 coupled with Salman Ali Agha&rsquo;s batting has to be the best depiction of &ldquo; The Tortoise and Rabbit story&rdquo; . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> <br><br>The 50 I hope will come soon enough🤞</p>
&mdash; Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1892236833641087072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><strong>Ashwin makes scathing remark about Babar</strong><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">"Babar's journey to 50 coupled with Salman Ali Agha's batting has to be the best depiction of 'The Tortoise and Rabbit story'. #ChampionsTrophy," Ashwin wrote on X.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The former Pakistan scored 64 runs off 90 balls which consisted of 6 fours and a six before he was scalped by Mitchell Santner. However, the asking run rate was climbing consistently while Babar was in the middle leading to his harsh criticism. Interestingly, at one point the asking rate was above 10 as Pakistan were struggling to keep pace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Babar was given a good helping hand by Khushdil Shah as he played a quickfire innings of 69 runs off 49 deliveries. His innings consisted of 10 fours and a six while Salman Agha also contributed with 42 off 28. While other batters were contributing to reducing the asking rate, Babar&rsquo;s innings did no favours to Pakistan as they ended on a losing note.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">ALSO READ | </span><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-ban-live-score-updates-champions-trophy-2025-ball-by-ball-updates-and-full-scorecard-india-vs-bangladesh-dubai-international-cricket-stadium-8738242" aria-label="LIVE | IND vs BAN Live Score, Champions Trophy 2025: India kickoff against Bangladesh in Dubai">LIVE | IND vs BAN Live Score, Champions Trophy 2025: India kickoff against Bangladesh in Dubai</a></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The defeat to New Zealand now means Pakistan&rsquo;s clash against India on Sunday could be a must-win affair. If India and New Zealand both beat Bangladesh in their respective contests, then a defeat to India will spell the end of Pakistan&rsquo;s journey in the Champions Trophy 2025.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The squad will now board their flight to Dubai as they face India in the Gulf nation under the hybrid model.</span></p>

Sports, Cricket: Tasked to chase 321 runs, Pakistan lost by 60 runs during which Babar Azam played a 64-run knock which made no favours for the defending champions.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a scathing dig at Babar Azam after he played a slow innings during Pakistan’s defeat to New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 contest. Tasked to chase 321 runs, Pakistan lost by 60 runs during which Babar played a 64-run knock. The innings was later criticised by Ashwin as he compared the innings with the turtle from “The Tortoise and Rabbit Story”. Babar’s journey to 50 coupled with Salman Ali Agha’s batting has to be the best depiction of “ The Tortoise and Rabbit story” . #ChampionsTrophy The 50 I hope will come soon enough🤞 — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 19, 2025 Ashwin makes scathing remark about Babar "Babar's journey to 50 coupled with Salman Ali Agha's batting has to be the best depiction of 'The Tortoise and Rabbit story'. #ChampionsTrophy," Ashwin wrote on X. The former Pakistan scored 64 runs off 90 balls which consisted of 6 fours and a six before he was scalped by Mitchell Santner. However, the asking run rate was climbing consistently while Babar was in the middle leading to his harsh criticism. Interestingly, at one point the asking rate was above 10 as Pakistan were struggling to keep pace. Babar was given a good helping hand by Khushdil Shah as he played a quickfire innings of 69 runs off 49 deliveries. His innings consisted of 10 fours and a six while Salman Agha also contributed with 42 off 28. While other batters were contributing to reducing the asking rate, Babar’s innings did no favours to Pakistan as they ended on a losing note. ALSO READ | LIVE | IND vs BAN Live Score, Champions Trophy 2025: India kickoff against Bangladesh in Dubai The defeat to New Zealand now means Pakistan’s clash against India on Sunday could be a must-win affair. If India and New Zealand both beat Bangladesh in their respective contests, then a defeat to India will spell the end of Pakistan’s journey in the Champions Trophy 2025. The squad will now board their flight to Dubai as they face India in the Gulf nation under the hybrid model.

Champions Trophy 2025: Ravi Ashwin takes scathing dig at Babar Azam, compares innings with tortoise

<p>Former Indian cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravichandran-ashwin" rel="dofollow">Ravichandran Ashwin</a> has questioned Team India&rsquo;s strategy behind picking five spinners for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">ICC Champions Trophy 2025</a>. As India will play all its matches in Dubai with their first game scheduled against Bangladesh on Thursday (Feb 20), Ashwin feels the Men in Blue might have picked spinners &lsquo;one too many, if not two&rsquo; for the eight-team tournament.</p>
<p>While two all-rounders, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/axar-patel" rel="dofollow">Axar Patel</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravindra-jadeja" rel="dofollow">Ravindra Jadeja</a>, are sure-starters, with unorthodox Kuldeep Yadav being another one to play all matches, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and all-rounder Washington Sundar are backup options. In the 15-man squad, India has picked just three seamers - Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana.</p>
<p>Speaking on his Hindi YouTube channel &lsquo;Ash ki Baat&rsquo;, Ashwin admitted India might have picked too many spinners for the Dubai pitch, which doesn't offer much assistance (to them) contradictory to the general notion of spinners doing well in that part of the world.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Five spinners in Dubai? I don&rsquo;t know. I think we are one spinner too many, if not two," Ashwin said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"The two left-arm spinners (Jadeja and Axar) are your best all-rounders alongside Hardik Pandya. So both Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are going to play. Hardik will also play, and Kuldeep will play,&rdquo; he continued.</p>
<h2>What's the playing combination?</h2>
<p>Considering India will play two seamers alongside Hardik Pandya (and Axar and Jadeja), it leaves a window for just one spinner (of the three) for that one remaining spot, with ace left-armer Kuldeep Yadav leading the race.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Owing to star performances in the recently concluded T20I series against England at home, Varun replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final 15, whereas Sundar retained his place after impressing on his second tour Down Under earlier.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ashwin, who played the 2022 T20 World Cup in Dubai, where India crashed out from the group stages, feels should India pick Varun in the&nbsp;XI, they have to drop a seamer for that, or he must replace Kuldeep in the side, with both being risky calls.</p>
<p>"If you want Varun Chakravarthy in the team, then you will have to make a pacer sit out and use Hardik as your second pacer. Else, you will have to drop a spinner to bring in a third seamer," he noted.</p>
<p>In the tournament, India is placed in Group A, alongside the host and arch-rivals Pakistan, with Bangladesh and New Zealand being the remaining two teams. After taking on Bangladesh in their tournament opener, India will face Pakistan three days later before facing New Zealand in their last league match (on March 2).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dubai will continue to stage India&rsquo;s knockout games (should they qualify for the semis and the final, respectively.)&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Sports, Cricket: While Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are sure-starters, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and all-rounder Washington Sundar are backup options.

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Team India’s strategy behind picking five spinners for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As India will play all its matches in Dubai with their first game scheduled against Bangladesh on Thursday (Feb 20), Ashwin feels the Men in Blue might have picked spinners ‘one too many, if not two’ for the eight-team tournament. While two all-rounders, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, are sure-starters, with unorthodox Kuldeep Yadav being another one to play all matches, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and all-rounder Washington Sundar are backup options. In the 15-man squad, India has picked just three seamers - Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana. Speaking on his Hindi YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ashwin admitted India might have picked too many spinners for the Dubai pitch, which doesn't offer much assistance (to them) contradictory to the general notion of spinners doing well in that part of the world. “Five spinners in Dubai? I don’t know. I think we are one spinner too many, if not two," Ashwin said. "The two left-arm spinners (Jadeja and Axar) are your best all-rounders alongside Hardik Pandya. So both Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are going to play. Hardik will also play, and Kuldeep will play,” he continued. What's the playing combination? Considering India will play two seamers alongside Hardik Pandya (and Axar and Jadeja), it leaves a window for just one spinner (of the three) for that one remaining spot, with ace left-armer Kuldeep Yadav leading the race. Owing to star performances in the recently concluded T20I series against England at home, Varun replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final 15, whereas Sundar retained his place after impressing on his second tour Down Under earlier. Meanwhile, Ashwin, who played the 2022 T20 World Cup in Dubai, where India crashed out from the group stages, feels should India pick Varun in the XI, they have to drop a seamer for that, or he must replace Kuldeep in the side, with both being risky calls. "If you want Varun Chakravarthy in the team, then you will have to make a pacer sit out and use Hardik as your second pacer. Else, you will have to drop a spinner to bring in a third seamer," he noted. In the tournament, India is placed in Group A, alongside the host and arch-rivals Pakistan, with Bangladesh and New Zealand being the remaining two teams. After taking on Bangladesh in their tournament opener, India will face Pakistan three days later before facing New Zealand in their last league match (on March 2). Dubai will continue to stage India’s knockout games (should they qualify for the semis and the final, respectively.) (With inputs from agencies)

Ashwin questions India’s strategy behind picking five spinners for Champions Trophy 2025

<p>Former India spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravichandran-ashwin">Ravichandran Ashwin</a> believes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> finds himself in a 'catch-22 situation' amid his struggles with form and insists the India skipper must silence his critics with strong performances ahead of the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a>.</p>
<p>Rohit, who opted out of the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia due to poor form, made his return to international cricket in the first ODI against England in Nagpur but managed just two runs after a month-long break.</p>
<p>"This isn't easy. From Rohit's perspective, it must be frustrating. He wants to focus on the series, knowing he has performed well in this format and wants to continue that momentum," Ashwin shared on his YouTube channel.</p>
<p>"But questions will be asked. People watching the game will raise concerns. It&rsquo;s a catch-22 situation&mdash;these questions won&rsquo;t stop unless he delivers with the bat," he added.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/live-2025-champions-trophy-check-icc-champions-trophy-2025-latest-news-and-updates-feb-8-8700894">LIVE | 2025 Champions Trophy: Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates | Feb 8</a></p>
<p>Rohit has managed just 166 runs in his last 16 innings across formats. "As a cricketer, I understand what he&rsquo;s going through. It&rsquo;s not easy. I sincerely hope he finds his rhythm and scores a century in this series," Ashwin said.</p>
<p>India clinched the first ODI against England in Nagpur with a four-wicket victory on Thursday. The second ODI is set to take place in Cuttack on Sunday (Feb 9).</p>
<h2>'Jadeja is a jackpot jango'</h2>
<p>Ashwin also heaped praise on all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravindra-jadeja">Ravindra Jadeja</a>, calling him 'more gifted' than himself.</p>
<p>In the first ODI, Jadeja delivered an excellent spell, claiming 3 for 26 in nine overs, and later remained unbeaten on 12 off 10 balls while steering India to victory.&nbsp;"Our media doesn&rsquo;t always recognize performances when a player does well. When we lose, players are vilified. But Jadeja deserves more appreciation&mdash;he dismissed Joe Root, yet he often flies under the radar. He&rsquo;s a 'Jackpot Jango'," Ashwin remarked.</p>
<p>"He's exceptional&mdash;his fielding alone adds so much value, and he thrives in pressure situations with both bat and ball. We don't give him enough credit."</p>
<p>"Jadeja is naturally gifted, far more than I ever was. He&rsquo;s a born athlete, incredibly fit. Even at this stage of his career, he can cover the ground from long-on to deep square leg while stationed at mid-wicket. I wouldn't be surprised, and I&rsquo;d be thrilled for him," Ashwin concluded.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Sports, Cricket: The India captain Rohit Sharma scored just two runs in the first ODI against England in Nagpur on his return to international cricket after a month

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Rohit Sharma finds himself in a 'catch-22 situation' amid his struggles with form and insists the India skipper must silence his critics with strong performances ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. Rohit, who opted out of the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia due to poor form, made his return to international cricket in the first ODI against England in Nagpur but managed just two runs after a month-long break. "This isn't easy. From Rohit's perspective, it must be frustrating. He wants to focus on the series, knowing he has performed well in this format and wants to continue that momentum," Ashwin shared on his YouTube channel. "But questions will be asked. People watching the game will raise concerns. It’s a catch-22 situation—these questions won’t stop unless he delivers with the bat," he added. Also Read: LIVE | 2025 Champions Trophy: Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates | Feb 8 Rohit has managed just 166 runs in his last 16 innings across formats. "As a cricketer, I understand what he’s going through. It’s not easy. I sincerely hope he finds his rhythm and scores a century in this series," Ashwin said. India clinched the first ODI against England in Nagpur with a four-wicket victory on Thursday. The second ODI is set to take place in Cuttack on Sunday (Feb 9). 'Jadeja is a jackpot jango' Ashwin also heaped praise on all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, calling him 'more gifted' than himself. In the first ODI, Jadeja delivered an excellent spell, claiming 3 for 26 in nine overs, and later remained unbeaten on 12 off 10 balls while steering India to victory. "Our media doesn’t always recognize performances when a player does well. When we lose, players are vilified. But Jadeja deserves more appreciation—he dismissed Joe Root, yet he often flies under the radar. He’s a 'Jackpot Jango'," Ashwin remarked. "He's exceptional—his fielding alone adds so much value, and he thrives in pressure situations with both bat and ball. We don't give him enough credit." "Jadeja is naturally gifted, far more than I ever was. He’s a born athlete, incredibly fit. Even at this stage of his career, he can cover the ground from long-on to deep square leg while stationed at mid-wicket. I wouldn't be surprised, and I’d be thrilled for him," Ashwin concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

It's a catch 22 situation for out-of-form Rohit: Ravichandran Ashwin

<p>Former spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravichandran-ashwin" rel="dofollow">Ravichandran Ashwin</a> reflected on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-champions-trophy-squad-england-odi-announcement-date-live-updates-rohit-gill-kohli-rahul-iyer-pandya-shami-bumrah-axar-jadeja-kuldeep-karun-liveblog-8627125" rel="dofollow">Team India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy 2025 squad</a>, trying to work out the best XI for the eight-team tournament scheduled for February 19 start. Ashwin dropped his first XI for the opener against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, with star batters &ndash; Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant missing the cut. However, he discussed another scenario where Jaiswal comes into the XI, with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli sacrificing their positions.</p>
<h2>Rahul discusses India&rsquo;s strongest XI</h2>
<p>The Men in Blue will play their first ODI since August last year (against England in February), with most of the 2023 ODI World Cup-bound players making the cut. Given how well each fared in the ten-team tournament almost 14 months ago, Ashwin didn&rsquo;t make too many changes to his predicted XI.</p>
<p>Discussing India&rsquo;s strongest side, Ashwin said the captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy Shubman Gill will open, with the batting great Virat Kohli walking in next.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/coach-gautam-gambhir-gets-backing-from-t20i-captain-suryakumar-yadav-after-kolkata-t20i-win-against-england-8646233" rel="dofollow">Coach Gautam Gambhir gets backing from Suryakumar after Kolkata T20I win</a></strong></p>
<p>Ashwin picked Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul (keeper) to play at four and five, with Hardik Pandya and one of Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel accompanying him in the lower middle order.</p>
<p>Ashwin is keen on playing Kuldeep Yadav with three seamers. Though Jasprit Bumrah&rsquo;s availability remains subject to fitness, should he be declared fit, he will lead the pace attack consisting of Arshdeep Singh and returning Mohammed Shami.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there&rsquo;s Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it&rsquo;s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,&rdquo; Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.</p>
<h3>Can Washington Sundar play?</h3>
<p>Head coach Gautam Gambhir&rsquo;s growing confidence in Sundar (as a batter) played a role in Ashwin&rsquo;s shock retirement call midway through the BGT Down Under; however, speaking of the same, Ashwin discussed a scenario where Sundar could make it to the playing XI.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-bcci-suspends-ankit-bawne-for-refusing-to-walk-after-being-out-ankit-bawne-ranji-trophy-runs-matches-stats-8646387" rel="dofollow">Meet Ankit Bawne - Maharashtra batter with 8000-plus runs suspended by BCCI in Ranji Trophy for showing dissent</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;Another scenario involves Washington Sundar. I&rsquo;m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;If you follow the World Cup format, you play either Jaddu or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik&rsquo;s all-round skills,&rdquo; Ashwin said.</p>
<p>&ldquo;If Washington bats at No. 7, it weakens the batting. Ideally, he should bat at 8. Washington Sundar at 8 might not be feasible if dew is a major factor. In that case, Kuldeep Yadav would bat at 8, and the team would likely go with all seamers &ndash; Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Shami. In the 2023 World Cup, we lacked batting depth from No. 8 onwards. These are the crucial questions that need to be addressed,&rdquo; he continued.</p>
<h3>Will Kohli bat at number 4?</h3>
<p>Kohli is perhaps the greatest number three in the ODIs during his time, but if India considers playing Jaiswal, making the most of his form, Shreyas Iyer might face the axe. That doesn&rsquo;t end the top-order problem, with Ashwin reckoning Jaiswal and Rohit would open, with Gill at number three and Kohli playing at four.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries? One option is to&nbsp;open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5.</p>
<p>&ldquo;If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalize on Jaiswal&rsquo;s current form.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s difficult to exclude KL Rahul given his excellent ODI and World Cup performances,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Cricket Sports: Given how well each fared in the 2023 ODI World Cup almost 14 months ago, Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t make too many changes to his predicted XI.

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reflected on Team India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, trying to work out the best XI for the eight-team tournament scheduled for February 19 start. Ashwin dropped his first XI for the opener against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, with star batters – Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant missing the cut. However, he discussed another scenario where Jaiswal comes into the XI, with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli sacrificing their positions. Rahul discusses India’s strongest XI The Men in Blue will play their first ODI since August last year (against England in February), with most of the 2023 ODI World Cup-bound players making the cut. Given how well each fared in the ten-team tournament almost 14 months ago, Ashwin didn’t make too many changes to his predicted XI. Discussing India’s strongest side, Ashwin said the captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy Shubman Gill will open, with the batting great Virat Kohli walking in next. Also read | Coach Gautam Gambhir gets backing from Suryakumar after Kolkata T20I win Ashwin picked Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul (keeper) to play at four and five, with Hardik Pandya and one of Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel accompanying him in the lower middle order. Ashwin is keen on playing Kuldeep Yadav with three seamers. Though Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains subject to fitness, should he be declared fit, he will lead the pace attack consisting of Arshdeep Singh and returning Mohammed Shami. “Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there’s Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it’s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Can Washington Sundar play? Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s growing confidence in Sundar (as a batter) played a role in Ashwin’s shock retirement call midway through the BGT Down Under; however, speaking of the same, Ashwin discussed a scenario where Sundar could make it to the playing XI. Also read | Meet Ankit Bawne - Maharashtra batter with 8000-plus runs suspended by BCCI in Ranji Trophy for showing dissent “Another scenario involves Washington Sundar. I’m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater.” “If you follow the World Cup format, you play either Jaddu or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik’s all-round skills,” Ashwin said. “If Washington bats at No. 7, it weakens the batting. Ideally, he should bat at 8. Washington Sundar at 8 might not be feasible if dew is a major factor. In that case, Kuldeep Yadav would bat at 8, and the team would likely go with all seamers – Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Shami. In the 2023 World Cup, we lacked batting depth from No. 8 onwards. These are the crucial questions that need to be addressed,” he continued. Will Kohli bat at number 4? Kohli is perhaps the greatest number three in the ODIs during his time, but if India considers playing Jaiswal, making the most of his form, Shreyas Iyer might face the axe. That doesn’t end the top-order problem, with Ashwin reckoning Jaiswal and Rohit would open, with Gill at number three and Kohli playing at four. “Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries? One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5. “If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalize on Jaiswal’s current form. “It’s difficult to exclude KL Rahul given his excellent ODI and World Cup performances,” he continued. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Ashwin plays Kohli out of position in his India's predicted playing XI

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Former India spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Ravichandran+Ashwin" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ravichandran Ashwin</a> has opened up on not getting a farewell match after he announced his retirement from the sport during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Border-Gavaskar+Trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a> series in Australian in December. One of the greatest Indian spinners, Ashwin called time on his illustrious career after the Brisbane Test where he was an unused player. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he was not interested to get a farewell Test match. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><strong>Ashwin opens up on farewell Test match</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">"I want to play more cricket. Where is the place? Obviously not in the Indian dressing room, but somewhere else. I want to be honest with the game. Imagine if I wanted to play a farewell Test but didn&rsquo;t deserve a place. Imagine I was only selected because it was my farewell Test. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want that. I felt there was still strength in my cricket and that I could have played a bit more. But it&rsquo;s always better to leave when people ask &lsquo;why&rsquo; rather than &lsquo;why not&rsquo;," Ashwin shared on his YouTube show.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The legendary spinner was in the headlines in December when he abruptly announced his retirement after the Brisbane Test. According to reports, he was unhappy with the management&rsquo;s decision to put him on the bench in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was only drafted into the Adelaide Test after captain Rohit Sharma vetoed for his inclusion.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-india-womens-team-captain-priyanka-ingle-determined-to-clinch-kho-kho-world-cup-8622457" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Exclusive: India women's team captain Priyanka Ingle determined to clinch Kho Kho World Cup</a></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India&rsquo;s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world.</p>

Sports, Cricket: One of the great Indian spinners, Ravichandra Ashwin called time on his illustrious career after the Brisbane Test where he was an unused player.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up on not getting a farewell match after he announced his retirement from the sport during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australian in December. One of the greatest Indian spinners, Ashwin called time on his illustrious career after the Brisbane Test where he was an unused player. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he was not interested to get a farewell Test match. Ashwin opens up on farewell Test match "I want to play more cricket. Where is the place? Obviously not in the Indian dressing room, but somewhere else. I want to be honest with the game. Imagine if I wanted to play a farewell Test but didn’t deserve a place. Imagine I was only selected because it was my farewell Test. “I don’t want that. I felt there was still strength in my cricket and that I could have played a bit more. But it’s always better to leave when people ask ‘why’ rather than ‘why not’," Ashwin shared on his YouTube show. The legendary spinner was in the headlines in December when he abruptly announced his retirement after the Brisbane Test. According to reports, he was unhappy with the management’s decision to put him on the bench in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was only drafted into the Adelaide Test after captain Rohit Sharma vetoed for his inclusion. ALSO READ | Exclusive: India women's team captain Priyanka Ingle determined to clinch Kho Kho World Cup The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches. He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world.

Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on not getting farewell match, says 'I don’t want...'

<p>Rishabh Pant is fearless and plays the most unusual cricketing shots but still has the best defence in the world, his former India teammate Ravichandran Ashwin reckons. The gloveman had a below-par Test series against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in nine innings at 28.33, but showed glimpses of his past performances, with a quick-fire fifty in the final Test at the SCG.</p>
<p>Reflecting on Pant&rsquo;s outing on his third Australian tour, Ashwin, who announced his international retirement midway through the series, said the left-handed batter needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, he can score hundreds for fun in each outing.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/indian-quick-varun-aaron-announces-retirement-from-all-representative-cricket-8607588" rel="dofollow">Indian quick Varun Aaron hangs boots from all representative cricket</a></strong></p>
<p>Ashwin said the team needs to tell him what he must do in the middle, adding that although he failed to score runs and guide his team home against Australia this time, Pant is yet to realise his full potential.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn't scored a lot of runs, but he didn't play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,&rdquo; Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;He has all the shots -- reverse sweep, slog sweep, everything -- but the problem is that all these shots are high-risk shots. With his defence, he will surely score runs every game if he faces 200 balls.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"The point is finding that middle game. If he combines all of it, he will score 100 runs every game. He has to find that middle game," Ashwin continued.</p>
<h2>Ashwin recalls Pant&rsquo;s SCG heroics</h2>
<p>Among Pant&rsquo;s few hundreds Down Under, one came at the SCG in 2019, when he slammed a stunning 159, guiding India home. That, however, was a thing of the past, but what remained with him this time was his grit to take on the mighty Aussies, which impressed Ashwin.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although the recently-retired cricketer lauded his second-inning knock (61 off 33 balls), Ashwin said people shouldn&rsquo;t forget his first-inning heroics, where he suffered several blows to his body.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I have always grown up hearing that you have fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40, it will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair.</p>
<p>"In the second innings, he scored a swashbuckling fifty, earning him a lot of praise. Everyone forgot that first inning and praised him for the second knock," Ashwin noted.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Pant has to fight out in Tests</h3>
<p>Having watched Pant grow as a cricketer since his Test debut, Ashwin said the India gloveman has the best defence in world cricket and shall be acknowledged.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He's got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect, he has the best defence with a soft hand.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"I have bowled to him a lot in the nets, he's not gotten out, he doesn't get an edge, he doesn't get LBW, he has the best defence. I have tried telling it to him. One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, he has to fight it out in Test cricket," Ashwin added.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Sports, cricket: Reflecting on Pant’s outing in BGT 2024-25, Ashwin said he needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, Pant can score hundreds for fun.

Rishabh Pant is fearless and plays the most unusual cricketing shots but still has the best defence in the world, his former India teammate Ravichandran Ashwin reckons. The gloveman had a below-par Test series against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in nine innings at 28.33, but showed glimpses of his past performances, with a quick-fire fifty in the final Test at the SCG. Reflecting on Pant’s outing on his third Australian tour, Ashwin, who announced his international retirement midway through the series, said the left-handed batter needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, he can score hundreds for fun in each outing. Also read | Indian quick Varun Aaron hangs boots from all representative cricket Ashwin said the team needs to tell him what he must do in the middle, adding that although he failed to score runs and guide his team home against Australia this time, Pant is yet to realise his full potential. “We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn't scored a lot of runs, but he didn't play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “He has all the shots -- reverse sweep, slog sweep, everything -- but the problem is that all these shots are high-risk shots. With his defence, he will surely score runs every game if he faces 200 balls. "The point is finding that middle game. If he combines all of it, he will score 100 runs every game. He has to find that middle game," Ashwin continued. Ashwin recalls Pant’s SCG heroics Among Pant’s few hundreds Down Under, one came at the SCG in 2019, when he slammed a stunning 159, guiding India home. That, however, was a thing of the past, but what remained with him this time was his grit to take on the mighty Aussies, which impressed Ashwin. Although the recently-retired cricketer lauded his second-inning knock (61 off 33 balls), Ashwin said people shouldn’t forget his first-inning heroics, where he suffered several blows to his body. “I have always grown up hearing that you have fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40, it will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair. "In the second innings, he scored a swashbuckling fifty, earning him a lot of praise. Everyone forgot that first inning and praised him for the second knock," Ashwin noted. Pant has to fight out in Tests Having watched Pant grow as a cricketer since his Test debut, Ashwin said the India gloveman has the best defence in world cricket and shall be acknowledged. “We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He's got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect, he has the best defence with a soft hand. "I have bowled to him a lot in the nets, he's not gotten out, he doesn't get an edge, he doesn't get LBW, he has the best defence. I have tried telling it to him. One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, he has to fight it out in Test cricket," Ashwin added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘He doesn’t get beaten, he has the best defence,’ Ashwin lauds Pant

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>Ravichandran Ashwin announced his international retirement following the Gabba Test conclusion against Australia, with his father claiming ‘humiliation’ among the potential reasons behind his shock call. The ace spinner, however, quickly responded to his father’s comments, saying he is not media-trained and should be forgiven and left alone.</p></p>
<p>Replying to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ashwin wrote, ‘My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam ??. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .? Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone ?’</p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam ??.</p>
<p>I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .?</p>
<p>Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone ? <a href="https://t.co/Y1GFEwJsVc">https://t.co/Y1GFEwJsVc</a></p>
<p>— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1869734526349607241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>During an exclusive chat with CNN News18, Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, made a shocking revelation about his son’s retirement call after day five of the third Test in Brisbane. He said although calling time on a career is a personal choice and that he has no say in that, Ravichandran noted that constant humiliation regarding Ashwin not being the number one choice spinner regardless of the conditions might have pushed him to take this sudden decision, something his father also got to know about at the last minute.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-sam-konstas-knocks-on-selectors-doors-as-mcg-test-squad-announcement-looms-785280">BGT: Sam Konstas knocks on selector's doors as MCG Test squad announcement looms</a></strong></p>
<p>“I too came to know last minute, actually. What was going on in his mind I don’t know. He just announced. I too accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feelings at all for that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued,” Ashwin’s father said during the chat with the news outlet.</p>
<p>“(Retiring) is his (Ashwin’s) wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but the way in which he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation," Ravichandran continued.</p>
<h2>Ashwin says goodbye to Indian cricket</h2>
<p>The veteran off-spinner is India's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 scalps besides his name, only behind the great Anil Kumble, who picked 619 wickets in his decorated career. Ashwin also scored six Test hundreds, becoming the first player to notch up five or more Test centuries besides picking over 500 wickets.</p>
<p>Though several reports indicated a major announcement just after the Brisbane tie, no one outside the players and the team management expected Ashwin to hang up his boots. </p>
<p>Ashwin joined Rohit Sharma in the post-match presser and announced his decision to step aside from international cricket; he though continues to remain available for selection for his state side (Tamil Nadu) in the domestic sphere and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.</p>
<p>"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day [for India],” Ashwin said at the post-match presser in Brisbane. </p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a media interview, Ashwin's father claimed that constant humiliation is among possible reasons behind his son's shock international retirement.



New Delhi, India Ravichandran Ashwin announced his international retirement following the Gabba Test conclusion against Australia, with his father claiming ‘humiliation’ among the potential reasons behind his shock call. The ace spinner, however, quickly responded to his father’s comments, saying he is not media-trained and should be forgiven and left alone. Replying to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ashwin wrote, ‘My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam ??. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .? Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone ?’ My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam ??. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .? Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone ? https://t.co/Y1GFEwJsVc — Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) December 19, 2024 × During an exclusive chat with CNN News18, Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, made a shocking revelation about his son’s retirement call after day five of the third Test in Brisbane. He said although calling time on a career is a personal choice and that he has no say in that, Ravichandran noted that constant humiliation regarding Ashwin not being the number one choice spinner regardless of the conditions might have pushed him to take this sudden decision, something his father also got to know about at the last minute. ALSO READ: BGT: Sam Konstas knocks on selector's doors as MCG Test squad announcement looms “I too came to know last minute, actually. What was going on in his mind I don’t know. He just announced. I too accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feelings at all for that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued,” Ashwin’s father said during the chat with the news outlet. “(Retiring) is his (Ashwin’s) wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but the way in which he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation," Ravichandran continued. Ashwin says goodbye to Indian cricket The veteran off-spinner is India's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 scalps besides his name, only behind the great Anil Kumble, who picked 619 wickets in his decorated career. Ashwin also scored six Test hundreds, becoming the first player to notch up five or more Test centuries besides picking over 500 wickets. Though several reports indicated a major announcement just after the Brisbane tie, no one outside the players and the team management expected Ashwin to hang up his boots. Ashwin joined Rohit Sharma in the post-match presser and announced his decision to step aside from international cricket; he though continues to remain available for selection for his state side (Tamil Nadu) in the domestic sphere and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. "This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day [for India],” Ashwin said at the post-match presser in Brisbane. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT - Ashwin shrugs off father's ‘humiliation’ remark over shock retirement, says ‘he isn’t media trained’

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin announced his international retirement following the Gabba Test conclusion against Australia, with his father claiming ‘humiliation’ among the potential reasons behind his shock call. The ace spinner, however, quickly responded to his father’s comments, saying he is not media-trained and should be forgiven and left alone.</p>

<p>Replying to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ashwin wrote, ‘My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam 😂😂. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .🤣 Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone 🙏’</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam 😂😂.<br />
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I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .🤣<br />
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Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/Y1GFEwJsVc">https://t.co/Y1GFEwJsVc</a></p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1869734526349607241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>During an exclusive chat with CNN News18, Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, made a shocking revelation about his son’s retirement call after day five of the third Test in Brisbane. He said although calling time on a career is a personal choice and that he has no say in that, Ravichandran noted that constant humiliation regarding Ashwin not being the number one choice spinner regardless of the conditions might have pushed him to take this sudden decision, something his father also got to know about at the last minute.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-sam-konstas-knocks-on-selectors-doors-as-mcg-test-squad-announcement-looms-785280">BGT: Sam Konstas knocks on selector's doors as MCG Test squad announcement looms</a></strong></p>

<p>“I too came to know last minute, actually. What was going on in his mind I don’t know. He just announced. I too accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feelings at all for that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued,” Ashwin’s father said during the chat with the news outlet.</p>

<p>“(Retiring) is his (Ashwin’s) wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but the way in which he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation," Ravichandran continued.</p>

<h2>Ashwin says goodbye to Indian cricket</h2>

<p>The veteran off-spinner is India's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 scalps besides his name, only behind the great Anil Kumble, who picked 619 wickets in his decorated career. Ashwin also scored six Test hundreds, becoming the first player to notch up five or more Test centuries besides picking over 500 wickets.</p>

<p>Though several reports indicated a major announcement just after the Brisbane tie, no one outside the players and the team management expected Ashwin to hang up his boots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin joined Rohit Sharma in the post-match presser and announced his decision to step aside from international cricket; he though continues to remain available for selection for his state side (Tamil Nadu) in the domestic sphere and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.</p>

<p>"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day [for India],” Ashwin said at the post-match presser in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ravichandran Ashwin announced his international retirement following the Gabba Test conclusion against Australia, with his father claiming ‘humiliation’ among the potential reasons behind his shock call.

Ravichandran Ashwin announced his international retirement following the Gabba Test conclusion against Australia, with his father claiming ‘humiliation’ among the potential reasons behind his shock call. The ace spinner, however, quickly responded to his father’s comments, saying he is not media-trained and should be forgiven and left alone. Replying to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ashwin wrote, ‘My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam 😂😂. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .🤣 Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone 🙏’ My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam 😂😂. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .🤣 Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone 🙏 https://t.co/Y1GFEwJsVc — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 19, 2024 × During an exclusive chat with CNN News18, Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, made a shocking revelation about his son’s retirement call after day five of the third Test in Brisbane. He said although calling time on a career is a personal choice and that he has no say in that, Ravichandran noted that constant humiliation regarding Ashwin not being the number one choice spinner regardless of the conditions might have pushed him to take this sudden decision, something his father also got to know about at the last minute. ALSO READ: BGT: Sam Konstas knocks on selector's doors as MCG Test squad announcement looms “I too came to know last minute, actually. What was going on in his mind I don’t know. He just announced. I too accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feelings at all for that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued,” Ashwin’s father said during the chat with the news outlet. “(Retiring) is his (Ashwin’s) wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but the way in which he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation," Ravichandran continued. Ashwin says goodbye to Indian cricket The veteran off-spinner is India's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 scalps besides his name, only behind the great Anil Kumble, who picked 619 wickets in his decorated career. Ashwin also scored six Test hundreds, becoming the first player to notch up five or more Test centuries besides picking over 500 wickets. Though several reports indicated a major announcement just after the Brisbane tie, no one outside the players and the team management expected Ashwin to hang up his boots. Ashwin joined Rohit Sharma in the post-match presser and announced his decision to step aside from international cricket; he though continues to remain available for selection for his state side (Tamil Nadu) in the domestic sphere and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. "This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to express that and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day [for India],” Ashwin said at the post-match presser in Brisbane. (With inputs from agencies)

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's finest match-winners in Test cricket, announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. Tributes have been pouring in from past and present cricketers, celebrating the 38-year-old's illustrious career.

Ashwin Retires: Tributes Pour In For India's Spin Wizard

<p><span class="region">Gabba, Brisbane</span>
<p>Ravichandran Ashwin, the ace Indian spinner, announced his international retirement after the conclusion of the Gabba Test against Australia on Wednesday (Dec 18). Just before the umpires decided to call off the game due to rain interruption ahead of tea on day five, visuals of Virat Kohli and Ashwin hugging in the dressing room indicated what was about to unfold.</p></p>
<p>Following the game, Ashwin joined Team India captain Rohit Sharma for the post-game presser, announced his retirement, and calmly left the arena, as he did with Test cricket despite being the seventh highest-ranked bowler in the format.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rohit-sharma-unwilling-to-push-for-mohammed-shamis-test-call-up-amid-fitness-concerns-784991">BGT: Rohit Sharma unwilling to push for Mohammed Shami’s Test call-up amid fitness concerns</a></strong></p>
<p>Ashwin has countless records to his name; despite being the only cricketer to score more than five Test hundreds and picking over 500 wickets at the same time, the off-spinner is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests (533) after Anil Kumble (619). Ashwin also has joint second-most five-wicket hauls (37) with the late Shane Warne in red-ball cricket. </p>
<p>Since debuting against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011, Ashwin has pioneered his way to become India’s greatest matchwinner, especially at home. For the record, Ravi Ashwin is an ODI World Cup and a Champions Trophy winner.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, upon announcing his retirement, his teammates, former cricketers, experts, and even broadcasters took to social media to share delight over watching him play and win countless matches for the team across formats. </p>
<p>From the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to current veterans Virat and captain Rohit Sharma, everyone lauded Ashwin’s contributions to world cricket, let alone India. </p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Abhi naa jao... ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDonHotstar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDonHotstar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshwinRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshwinRetires</a> <a href="https://t.co/PzuLNoaTyP">pic.twitter.com/PzuLNoaTyP</a></p>
<p>— Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyPlusHS/status/1869294304096870878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not too many retire with much left in the tank. But Ashwin has. Like many, the decision surprised me. Will really miss that spinner with magic in his fingers. ???<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshwinRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshwinRetires</a></p>
<p>— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1869321399942410569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… <a href="https://t.co/QGQ2Z7pAgc">pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc</a></p>
<p>— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1869269640154923429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a></p>
<p>for incredible career.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshwinRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshwinRetires</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsAus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvsAus</a> <a href="https://t.co/MFKbkH6Amm">pic.twitter.com/MFKbkH6Amm</a></p>
<p>— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) <a href="https://twitter.com/munafpa99881129/status/1869292649154527280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win.</p>
<p>Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been… <a href="https://t.co/XawHfacaUh">pic.twitter.com/XawHfacaUh</a></p>
<p>— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1869324169445568713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ashwin, the Match winner ?</p>
<p>Ashwin, the Centurion ?</p>
<p>Ashwin, the Magician with the ball ?</p>
<p>Ashwin, the Team man ?</p>
<p>International cricket will miss them all ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouAshwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouAshwin</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://t.co/ThvJ7pwRNT">pic.twitter.com/ThvJ7pwRNT</a></p>
<p>— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1869385885466366275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From match-winning spells to historic milestones, Ravichandran Ashwin bhai’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you for everything, Ashwin bhai. Here’s to an incredible legacy that will live on forever. ? <a href="https://t.co/idZTXCcgCN">pic.twitter.com/idZTXCcgCN</a></p>
<p>— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/mdsirajofficial/status/1869338825715052631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://t.co/fuATAjE8aw">pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw</a></p>
<p>— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1869267174206173369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An Intellectual Who Happened To Be A Top Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin</p>
<p>To me &amp; in essence, Ravichandran Ashwin was a polymath in a cricketer’s body. An artisan, athlete, innovator &amp; highest on game awareness. An off spinner, his skills were bewildering. His bowling, his… <a href="https://t.co/axaFbbZPhA">pic.twitter.com/axaFbbZPhA</a></p>
<p>— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrNaumanNiaz/status/1869365551644004563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> .. Have loved watching you play for India .. ?</p>
<p>— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1869264918308167886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you. <a href="https://t.co/Jjlg8tyq7k">pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k</a></p>
<p>— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1869260313859850593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/z4VlTpVf4M">pic.twitter.com/z4VlTpVf4M</a></p>
<p>— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sundarwashi5/status/1869282320458698804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you Ravi Ashwin. Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained??.</p>
<p>— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/irbishi/status/1869277188559966466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Only one on the list with 6 test 100s ?? <a href="https://t.co/3wcaqTYYSC">https://t.co/3wcaqTYYSC</a></p>
<p>— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1869286287838269456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a></p>
<p>You’ve been one of the greats and it was a pleasure to play with and against you! <a href="https://t.co/2Yoany79hC">pic.twitter.com/2Yoany79hC</a></p>
<p>— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronFinch5/status/1869361716515213727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you’ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side! ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a></p>
<p>— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1869274535729700873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Like his “mystery ball” no-one saw it coming! <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> calls time on his outstanding 14-year career in international cricket. Unplayable on his day with his own code for playing the game. A maestro, the equivalent of a Grand Master in Chess. His latest move a stunner.</p>
<p>— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) <a href="https://twitter.com/alanwilkins22/status/1869299526563213326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bcci</a>’s greatest match-winners - a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a>, wishing you the best for the future. <a href="https://t.co/6RKbiG8jsw">pic.twitter.com/6RKbiG8jsw</a></p>
<p>— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1869285961542348824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Ashwin ends his international career with 287 matches, 765 wickets, 4394 runs, and six hundreds across formats. </p>
<p>The Test genius will play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ashwin also has joint second-most five-wicket hauls (37) with the late Shane Warne in red-ball cricket. 



Gabba, Brisbane Ravichandran Ashwin, the ace Indian spinner, announced his international retirement after the conclusion of the Gabba Test against Australia on Wednesday (Dec 18). Just before the umpires decided to call off the game due to rain interruption ahead of tea on day five, visuals of Virat Kohli and Ashwin hugging in the dressing room indicated what was about to unfold. Following the game, Ashwin joined Team India captain Rohit Sharma for the post-game presser, announced his retirement, and calmly left the arena, as he did with Test cricket despite being the seventh highest-ranked bowler in the format. ALSO READ: BGT: Rohit Sharma unwilling to push for Mohammed Shami’s Test call-up amid fitness concerns Ashwin has countless records to his name; despite being the only cricketer to score more than five Test hundreds and picking over 500 wickets at the same time, the off-spinner is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests (533) after Anil Kumble (619). Ashwin also has joint second-most five-wicket hauls (37) with the late Shane Warne in red-ball cricket. Since debuting against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011, Ashwin has pioneered his way to become India’s greatest matchwinner, especially at home. For the record, Ravi Ashwin is an ODI World Cup and a Champions Trophy winner. Meanwhile, upon announcing his retirement, his teammates, former cricketers, experts, and even broadcasters took to social media to share delight over watching him play and win countless matches for the team across formats. From the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to current veterans Virat and captain Rohit Sharma, everyone lauded Ashwin’s contributions to world cricket, let alone India. Abhi naa jao... ?#AUSvINDonHotstar #INDvAUS #Ashwin #AshwinRetires pic.twitter.com/PzuLNoaTyP — Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) December 18, 2024 × Not too many retire with much left in the tank. But Ashwin has. Like many, the decision surprised me. Will really miss that spinner with magic in his fingers. ???#AshwinRetires — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 18, 2024 × I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024 × Congratulations @ashwinravi99 for incredible career.#AshwinRetires #Ashwin #IndvsAus pic.twitter.com/MFKbkH6Amm — Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) December 18, 2024 × Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win. Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been… pic.twitter.com/XawHfacaUh — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 18, 2024 × Ashwin, the Match winner ? Ashwin, the Centurion ? Ashwin, the Magician with the ball ? Ashwin, the Team man ? International cricket will miss them all ❤️#TeamIndia | #ThankYouAshwin | @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/ThvJ7pwRNT — BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024 × From match-winning spells to historic milestones, Ravichandran Ashwin bhai’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you for everything, Ashwin bhai. Here’s to an incredible legacy that will live on forever. ? pic.twitter.com/idZTXCcgCN — Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) December 18, 2024 × The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024 × An Intellectual Who Happened To Be A Top Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin To me & in essence, Ravichandran Ashwin was a polymath in a cricketer’s body. An artisan, athlete, innovator & highest on game awareness. An off spinner, his skills were bewildering. His bowling, his… pic.twitter.com/axaFbbZPhA — Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) December 18, 2024 × Thanks @ashwinravi99 .. Have loved watching you play for India .. ? — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 18, 2024 × One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions @ashwinravi99 and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you. pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2024 × .@ashwinravi99 ?? pic.twitter.com/z4VlTpVf4M — Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) December 18, 2024 × Thank you Ravi Ashwin. Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained??. — Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 18, 2024 × Only one on the list with 6 test 100s ?? https://t.co/3wcaqTYYSC — Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) December 18, 2024 × Congratulations @ashwinravi99 You’ve been one of the greats and it was a pleasure to play with and against you! pic.twitter.com/2Yoany79hC — Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) December 18, 2024 × Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you’ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side! ?? @ashwinravi99 — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 18, 2024 × Like his “mystery ball” no-one saw it coming! @ashwinravi99 calls time on his outstanding 14-year career in international cricket. Unplayable on his day with his own code for playing the game. A maestro, the equivalent of a Grand Master in Chess. His latest move a stunner. — Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) December 18, 2024 × One of @bcci’s greatest match-winners - a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of @ashwinravi99, wishing you the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/6RKbiG8jsw — Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 18, 2024 × Meanwhile, Ashwin ends his international career with 287 matches, 765 wickets, 4394 runs, and six hundreds across formats. The Test genius will play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Ravi Ashwin retirement reactions: Sachin, Jay Shah, fellow mates thank Test genius for countless memories

<p><span class="region">Brisbane, Australia</span>
<p>India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth.</p></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">????? ??? ?????? ?</p>
<p>A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation ??</p>
<p>The ace spinner and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.</p>
<p>Congratulations on a legendary career, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/swSwcP3QXA">pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA</a></p>
<p>— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1869258427987562621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Rohit shares insights on Ashwin</strong></h2>
<p>"Heard about R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. He understands what the team is thinking, combinations what the team is thinking. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test," said Rohit at the post-match press conference.</p>
<p>The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches.</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mitchell-santner-takes-over-as-new-white-ball-captain-of-new-zealand-784862">Mitchell Santner takes over as new white-ball captain of New Zealand</a></strong></p>
<p>He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world.</p>
<p>As things stand, Ashwin will return to India on Thursday (Dec 19), leaving big shoes to fill in the side. His presence in the Indian team during the home series will be felt as the majority of his success came on home turf. He scalped 383 wickets on home turf making him one of the successful bowlers in the sub-continent conditions.</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth.



Brisbane, Australia India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth. ????? ??? ?????? ? A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation ?? The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA — BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024 × Rohit shares insights on Ashwin "Heard about R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. He understands what the team is thinking, combinations what the team is thinking. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test," said Rohit at the post-match press conference. The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches. ALSO READ | Mitchell Santner takes over as new white-ball captain of New Zealand He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world. As things stand, Ashwin will return to India on Thursday (Dec 19), leaving big shoes to fill in the side. His presence in the Indian team during the home series will be felt as the majority of his success came on home turf. He scalped 383 wickets on home turf making him one of the successful bowlers in the sub-continent conditions.

Rohit Sharma shares insights on R Ashwin's retirement plans, says 'I convinced him to stay for pink-ball Test'

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin, the ace Indian spinner, announced his international retirement after the conclusion of the Gabba Test against Australia on Wednesday (Dec 18). Just before the umpires decided to call off the game due to rain interruption ahead of tea on day five, visuals of Virat Kohli and Ashwin hugging in the dressing room indicated what was about to unfold.</p>

<p>Following the game, Ashwin joined Team India captain Rohit Sharma for the post-game presser,&nbsp;announced his retirement, and calmly left the arena, as he did with Test cricket despite being the seventh highest-ranked bowler in the format.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rohit-sharma-unwilling-to-push-for-mohammed-shamis-test-call-up-amid-fitness-concerns-784991">BGT: Rohit Sharma unwilling to push for Mohammed Shami’s Test call-up amid fitness concerns</a></strong></p>

<p>Ashwin has countless records to his name; despite being the only cricketer to score more than five Test hundreds and picking over 500 wickets at the same time, the off-spinner is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests (533) after Anil Kumble (619). Ashwin also has joint second-most five-wicket hauls (37) with the late Shane Warne in red-ball cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since debuting against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011, Ashwin has pioneered his way to become India’s greatest matchwinner, especially at home. For the record, Ravi Ashwin is an ODI World Cup and a Champions Trophy winner.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, upon announcing his retirement, his teammates, former cricketers, experts, and even broadcasters took to social media to share delight over watching him play and win countless matches for the team across formats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to current veterans Virat and captain Rohit Sharma, everyone lauded Ashwin’s contributions to world cricket, let alone India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Abhi naa jao... 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDonHotstar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDonHotstar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshwinRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshwinRetires</a> <a href="https://t.co/PzuLNoaTyP">pic.twitter.com/PzuLNoaTyP</a></p>
— Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyPlusHS/status/1869294304096870878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not too many retire with much left in the tank. But Ashwin has. Like many, the decision surprised me. Will really miss that spinner with magic in his fingers. 🙏🙏🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshwinRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshwinRetires</a></p>
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1869321399942410569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… <a href="https://t.co/QGQ2Z7pAgc">pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1869269640154923429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a><br />
for incredible career.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshwinRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshwinRetires</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsAus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvsAus</a> <a href="https://t.co/MFKbkH6Amm">pic.twitter.com/MFKbkH6Amm</a></p>
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) <a href="https://twitter.com/munafpa99881129/status/1869292649154527280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win.<br />
Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been… <a href="https://t.co/XawHfacaUh">pic.twitter.com/XawHfacaUh</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1869324169445568713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ashwin, the Match winner 🙌<br />
Ashwin, the Centurion 💯<br />
Ashwin, the Magician with the ball 🪄<br />
Ashwin, the Team man 🤝<br />
<br />
International cricket will miss them all ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouAshwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouAshwin</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://t.co/ThvJ7pwRNT">pic.twitter.com/ThvJ7pwRNT</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1869385885466366275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From match-winning spells to historic milestones, Ravichandran Ashwin bhai’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you for everything, Ashwin bhai. Here’s to an incredible legacy that will live on forever. 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/idZTXCcgCN">pic.twitter.com/idZTXCcgCN</a></p>
— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/mdsirajofficial/status/1869338825715052631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://t.co/fuATAjE8aw">pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw</a></p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1869267174206173369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An Intellectual Who Happened To Be A Top Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin<br />
<br />
To me &amp; in essence, Ravichandran Ashwin was a polymath in a cricketer’s body. An artisan, athlete, innovator &amp; highest on game awareness. An off spinner, his skills were bewildering. His bowling, his… <a href="https://t.co/axaFbbZPhA">pic.twitter.com/axaFbbZPhA</a></p>
— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrNaumanNiaz/status/1869365551644004563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> .. Have loved watching you play for India .. 👍</p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1869264918308167886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you. <a href="https://t.co/Jjlg8tyq7k">pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k</a></p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1869260313859850593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> 🐐🤍 <a href="https://t.co/z4VlTpVf4M">pic.twitter.com/z4VlTpVf4M</a></p>
— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sundarwashi5/status/1869282320458698804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you Ravi Ashwin. Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained🙏🏽.</p>
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/irbishi/status/1869277188559966466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Only one on the list with 6 test 100s 👏👏 <a href="https://t.co/3wcaqTYYSC">https://t.co/3wcaqTYYSC</a></p>
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1869286287838269456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a><br />
You’ve been one of the greats and it was a pleasure to play with and against you! <a href="https://t.co/2Yoany79hC">pic.twitter.com/2Yoany79hC</a></p>
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronFinch5/status/1869361716515213727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you’ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side! 🙌🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a></p>
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1869274535729700873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Like his “mystery ball” no-one saw it coming! <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> calls time on his outstanding 14-year career in international cricket. Unplayable on his day with his own code for playing the game. A maestro, the equivalent of a Grand Master in Chess. His latest move a stunner.</p>
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) <a href="https://twitter.com/alanwilkins22/status/1869299526563213326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bcci</a>’s greatest match-winners - a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a>, wishing you the best for the future. <a href="https://t.co/6RKbiG8jsw">pic.twitter.com/6RKbiG8jsw</a></p>
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1869285961542348824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Ashwin ends his international career with 287 matches, 765 wickets, 4394 runs, and six hundreds across formats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Test genius will play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ravichandran Ashwin, the ace Indian spinner, announced his international retirement after the conclusion of the Gabba Test against Australia on Wednesday (Dec 18).

Ravichandran Ashwin, the ace Indian spinner, announced his international retirement after the conclusion of the Gabba Test against Australia on Wednesday (Dec 18). Just before the umpires decided to call off the game due to rain interruption ahead of tea on day five, visuals of Virat Kohli and Ashwin hugging in the dressing room indicated what was about to unfold. Following the game, Ashwin joined Team India captain Rohit Sharma for the post-game presser, announced his retirement, and calmly left the arena, as he did with Test cricket despite being the seventh highest-ranked bowler in the format. ALSO READ: BGT: Rohit Sharma unwilling to push for Mohammed Shami’s Test call-up amid fitness concerns Ashwin has countless records to his name; despite being the only cricketer to score more than five Test hundreds and picking over 500 wickets at the same time, the off-spinner is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests (533) after Anil Kumble (619). Ashwin also has joint second-most five-wicket hauls (37) with the late Shane Warne in red-ball cricket. Since debuting against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011, Ashwin has pioneered his way to become India’s greatest matchwinner, especially at home. For the record, Ravi Ashwin is an ODI World Cup and a Champions Trophy winner. Meanwhile, upon announcing his retirement, his teammates, former cricketers, experts, and even broadcasters took to social media to share delight over watching him play and win countless matches for the team across formats. From the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to current veterans Virat and captain Rohit Sharma, everyone lauded Ashwin’s contributions to world cricket, let alone India. Abhi naa jao... 💔#AUSvINDonHotstar #INDvAUS #Ashwin #AshwinRetires pic.twitter.com/PzuLNoaTyP — Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) December 18, 2024 × Not too many retire with much left in the tank. But Ashwin has. Like many, the decision surprised me. Will really miss that spinner with magic in his fingers. 🙏🙏🙏#AshwinRetires — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 18, 2024 × I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024 × Congratulations @ashwinravi99 for incredible career.#AshwinRetires #Ashwin #IndvsAus pic.twitter.com/MFKbkH6Amm — Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) December 18, 2024 × Ashwin, I’ve always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win. Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India’s finest match-winners has been… pic.twitter.com/XawHfacaUh — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 18, 2024 × Ashwin, the Match winner 🙌 Ashwin, the Centurion 💯 Ashwin, the Magician with the ball 🪄 Ashwin, the Team man 🤝 International cricket will miss them all ❤️#TeamIndia | #ThankYouAshwin | @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/ThvJ7pwRNT — BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024 × From match-winning spells to historic milestones, Ravichandran Ashwin bhai’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you for everything, Ashwin bhai. Here’s to an incredible legacy that will live on forever. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/idZTXCcgCN — Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) December 18, 2024 × The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024 × An Intellectual Who Happened To Be A Top Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin To me & in essence, Ravichandran Ashwin was a polymath in a cricketer’s body. An artisan, athlete, innovator & highest on game awareness. An off spinner, his skills were bewildering. His bowling, his… pic.twitter.com/axaFbbZPhA — Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) December 18, 2024 × Thanks @ashwinravi99 .. Have loved watching you play for India .. 👍 — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 18, 2024 × One of the greatest to have played our game. I have enjoyed our interactions @ashwinravi99 and I can only wish you the very best in life. What you leave behind puts you among the best and there is a page in the Hall of Fame for you. pic.twitter.com/Jjlg8tyq7k — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 18, 2024 × .@ashwinravi99 🐐🤍 pic.twitter.com/z4VlTpVf4M — Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) December 18, 2024 × Thank you Ravi Ashwin. Glad you came, and that you were a part of the international game for so long, with such excellence. You taught, you educated and you entertained🙏🏽. — Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 18, 2024 × Only one on the list with 6 test 100s 👏👏 https://t.co/3wcaqTYYSC — Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) December 18, 2024 × Congratulations @ashwinravi99 You’ve been one of the greats and it was a pleasure to play with and against you! pic.twitter.com/2Yoany79hC — Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) December 18, 2024 × Well played Ash and congratulations on a legendary journey! From spinning webs around the best in the world to standing tall in tough situations, you’ve been a real asset to the team. Welcome to the other side! 🙌🏻 @ashwinravi99 — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 18, 2024 × Like his “mystery ball” no-one saw it coming! @ashwinravi99 calls time on his outstanding 14-year career in international cricket. Unplayable on his day with his own code for playing the game. A maestro, the equivalent of a Grand Master in Chess. His latest move a stunner. — Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) December 18, 2024 × One of @bcci’s greatest match-winners - a magician with the ball and an astute thinker of the game. An international career to be proud of @ashwinravi99, wishing you the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/6RKbiG8jsw — Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 18, 2024 × Meanwhile, Ashwin ends his international career with 287 matches, 765 wickets, 4394 runs, and six hundreds across formats. The Test genius will play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡<br />
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A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏<br />
<br />
The ace spinner and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.<br />
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Congratulations on a legendary career, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/swSwcP3QXA">pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1869258427987562621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Rohit shares insights on Ashwin</strong></h2>

<p>"Heard about R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. He understands what the team is thinking, combinations what the team is thinking. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test," said Rohit at the post-match press conference.</p>

<p>The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mitchell-santner-takes-over-as-new-white-ball-captain-of-new-zealand-784862">Mitchell Santner takes over as new white-ball captain of New Zealand</a></strong></p>

<p>He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world.</p>

<p>As things stand, Ashwin will return to India on Thursday (Dec 19), leaving big shoes to fill in the side. His presence in the Indian team during the home series will be felt as the majority of his success came on home turf. He scalped 383 wickets on home turf making him one of the successful bowlers in the sub-continent conditions.</p>


India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw.

India’s legendary all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious career on Wednesday (Dec 18) as he took the cricketing fraternity by surprise. Ashwin, having represented India in 106 Test matches announced his retirement after the Gabba Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw. After the match skipper, Rohit Sharma opened on the insights into Ashwin’s retirement plans saying he came to know about the decision after landing in Perth. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡 A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏 The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA — BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024 × Rohit shares insights on Ashwin "Heard about R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. He understands what the team is thinking, combinations what the team is thinking. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test," said Rohit at the post-match press conference. The 2011 World Cup winner retired with a tally of 537 Test wickets in 106 matches while also scoring 3503 runs. He scored six hundreds in the format and was India’s most reliable all-rounder for over a decade. In the ODI format, Ashwin represented India in 116 matches and scalped 156 wickets while in the T20Is he has 72 wickets in 65 matches. ALSO READ | Mitchell Santner takes over as new white-ball captain of New Zealand He goes down as one of the legends of Indian cricket and at the time of retirement is the second most successful Test bowler for the nation. Only Anil Kumble with 619 scalped more wickets than Ashwin in the red-ball format. Overall, he is the seventh most successful bowler in Test format, underlining his name as one of the best in the world. As things stand, Ashwin will return to India on Thursday (Dec 19), leaving big shoes to fill in the side. His presence in the Indian team during the home series will be felt as the majority of his success came on home turf. He scalped 383 wickets on home turf making him one of the successful bowlers in the sub-continent conditions.

<p>Question marks were raised on the standards of umpiring in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match between India and Australia on Saturday (Dec 7). Playing on Day 2 of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Marsh was given not out on an LBW appeal drawing comparisons with KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal in the Perth Test. Fans did not hold back on the ‘double standards’ in umpiring and took&nbsp;to social media to showcase their anger.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The third umpire should’ve taken more time on the Mitchell Marsh DRS call—needed more angles and frames. A bit unlucky for Ashwin and India there.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsAUS</a><br />
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<a href="https://t.co/Cvrp1kqOxx">pic.twitter.com/Cvrp1kqOxx</a></p>
— Drop_in cricket (@drop_incricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/drop_incricket/status/1865279788614656044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Question marks on umpiring</strong></h2>

<p>On the third ball of the 58th over in the Australian innings bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell Marsh came down the track and attempted a shot. The ball appeared to have hit the bat and the pad at the same time as Indian players appealed for an LBW. Umpire Chris Gaffaney turned down the appeal and judged Marsh not out, a decision that was challenged by Team India.</p>

<p>Upon review by third umpire Richard Kettleborough, there was no conclusive evidence found to overturn the decision as Marsh remained unharmed due to the benefit of the doubt.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1st Pic - Kl Rahul was given out in 1st test even after having inconclusive evidence.<br />
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2nd Pic - Mitchell Marsh was given not out because of inconclusive evidence.<br />
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What is this hypocrisy <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxCricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxCricket</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorderGavaskarTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorderGavaskarTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/rTJ8jqhvPd">pic.twitter.com/rTJ8jqhvPd</a></p>
— -𝚉𝙰𝙳𝙾𝙽 🇮🇳 (@_zadon_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_zadon_/status/1865275071532798109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, in a similar incident on Day 1 of the Perth Test, Indian opener KL Rahul was given out despite no conclusive evidence. Like Marsh, Rahul's decision was also reffered to the third umpire, but in his case he had to depart which left the fans angry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/lionel-messi-named-mls-most-valuable-player-after-record-setting-season-782159">Lionel Messi named MLS Most Valuable Player after record-setting season</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Ashwin exacts revenge</strong></h2>

<p>At the point of controversy, Marsh&nbsp;had yet to open his account as he looked to make the most of the opportunity. However, those ambitions were curtailed when he was batting on nine in the 64th over as Ashwin got the better of the Aussie all-rounder with a caught-behind. Rishabh Pant clutched his catch as the Aussies were narrowed to 211/5 at the time of writing.</p>

<p>Travis Head was batting on 63 while new man Alex Carey was yet to open his account. Australia lead India by 31 runs with still five wickets in hand in the first innings of the Adelaide Test.</p>


Question marks were raised on the standards of umpiring in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match between India and Australia on Saturday (Dec 7). Playing on Day 2 of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Marsh was given not out on an LBW appeal drawing comparisons with KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal in the Perth Test.

Question marks were raised on the standards of umpiring in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match between India and Australia on Saturday (Dec 7). Playing on Day 2 of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Marsh was given not out on an LBW appeal drawing comparisons with KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal in the Perth Test. Fans did not hold back on the ‘double standards’ in umpiring and took to social media to showcase their anger. The third umpire should’ve taken more time on the Mitchell Marsh DRS call—needed more angles and frames. A bit unlucky for Ashwin and India there.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/Cvrp1kqOxx — Drop_in cricket (@drop_incricket) December 7, 2024 × Question marks on umpiring On the third ball of the 58th over in the Australian innings bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell Marsh came down the track and attempted a shot. The ball appeared to have hit the bat and the pad at the same time as Indian players appealed for an LBW. Umpire Chris Gaffaney turned down the appeal and judged Marsh not out, a decision that was challenged by Team India. Upon review by third umpire Richard Kettleborough, there was no conclusive evidence found to overturn the decision as Marsh remained unharmed due to the benefit of the doubt. 1st Pic - Kl Rahul was given out in 1st test even after having inconclusive evidence. 2nd Pic - Mitchell Marsh was given not out because of inconclusive evidence. What is this hypocrisy @FoxCricket .#AUSvIND #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/rTJ8jqhvPd — -𝚉𝙰𝙳𝙾𝙽 🇮🇳 (@_zadon_) December 7, 2024 × However, in a similar incident on Day 1 of the Perth Test, Indian opener KL Rahul was given out despite no conclusive evidence. Like Marsh, Rahul's decision was also reffered to the third umpire, but in his case he had to depart which left the fans angry. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi named MLS Most Valuable Player after record-setting season Ashwin exacts revenge At the point of controversy, Marsh had yet to open his account as he looked to make the most of the opportunity. However, those ambitions were curtailed when he was batting on nine in the 64th over as Ashwin got the better of the Aussie all-rounder with a caught-behind. Rishabh Pant clutched his catch as the Aussies were narrowed to 211/5 at the time of writing. Travis Head was batting on 63 while new man Alex Carey was yet to open his account. Australia lead India by 31 runs with still five wickets in hand in the first innings of the Adelaide Test.

BGT 2024/25: Umpires in spotlight after controversial LBW call goes in favour of Mitchell Marsh - WATCH

<p>Virat Kohli was among the three players Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retained ahead of IPL 2025; despite their picks at the mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he remains the top contender to lead the franchise next season. Meanwhile, ace India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who will play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from next season onwards, answered why he believes Kohli will be back as the RCB skipper.</p>

<p>Even though RCB bagged the English duo of Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, they lack options in the leadership group, with Kohli emerging as the only choice left with the franchise. Speaking on the same lines, Ashwin said unless the RCB decides to work on making anyone else the skipper, Virat remains the evident pick for him.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/joe-root-surpasses-sachin-tendulkar-for-most-runs-in-fourth-inning-as-eng-complete-quickest-run-chase-vs-nz-780619">Joe Root surpasses Sachin Tendulkar for most runs in fourth innings as ENG complete quickest run chase vs NZ</a></strong></p>

<p>“In all likelihood, I think Virat Kohli is going to captain that side. That's the feeling I get because they haven't gone for a captain. Unless and until they are going to go with somebody else. I don't see anyone other than Virat as captain,” Ashwin said while talking on his official YouTube handle.</p>

<h2>RCB had a terrific auction</h2>

<p>Ashwin praised RCB’s auction strategy this time, saying they had a terrific outing as they played the balancing and waiting game well. He noted that despite having a bigger purse as compared to several teams, they didn’t rush into buying big names, unlike Punjab or Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The veteran spinner continued that instead of using RTMs on several top players, the RCB management stuck to their strategy and purchased those who ticked the boxes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I actually personally think they had a terrific auction. They balanced it and waited it out. Many teams came into this auction with many crores in their purses. They came blazing right in the front, but RCB played the waiting game even though they had a lot of money. Who do I need? They are the ones I need. My overall team is important. My 12 or 14 is important,” Ashwin said.</p>

<p>“What will work in our conditions? I want that sort of a side. I need that team. Even though I have RTMs, I am not going to use them. I will end up picking who I want. I will follow the strategy till the end,” he added.</p>

<p>Besides Salt and Livingstone, RCB bagged Tim David and Josh Hazlewood alongside roping in Jitesh Sharma as the keeper-batter option. Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, and Jacob Bethell are other foreign names to join the RCB squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Virat Kohli was among the three players Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retained ahead of IPL 2025; despite their picks at the mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he remains the top contender to lead the franchise next season.

Virat Kohli was among the three players Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retained ahead of IPL 2025; despite their picks at the mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he remains the top contender to lead the franchise next season. Meanwhile, ace India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who will play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from next season onwards, answered why he believes Kohli will be back as the RCB skipper. Even though RCB bagged the English duo of Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, they lack options in the leadership group, with Kohli emerging as the only choice left with the franchise. Speaking on the same lines, Ashwin said unless the RCB decides to work on making anyone else the skipper, Virat remains the evident pick for him. ALSO READ: Joe Root surpasses Sachin Tendulkar for most runs in fourth innings as ENG complete quickest run chase vs NZ “In all likelihood, I think Virat Kohli is going to captain that side. That's the feeling I get because they haven't gone for a captain. Unless and until they are going to go with somebody else. I don't see anyone other than Virat as captain,” Ashwin said while talking on his official YouTube handle. RCB had a terrific auction Ashwin praised RCB’s auction strategy this time, saying they had a terrific outing as they played the balancing and waiting game well. He noted that despite having a bigger purse as compared to several teams, they didn’t rush into buying big names, unlike Punjab or Delhi. The veteran spinner continued that instead of using RTMs on several top players, the RCB management stuck to their strategy and purchased those who ticked the boxes. “I actually personally think they had a terrific auction. They balanced it and waited it out. Many teams came into this auction with many crores in their purses. They came blazing right in the front, but RCB played the waiting game even though they had a lot of money. Who do I need? They are the ones I need. My overall team is important. My 12 or 14 is important,” Ashwin said. “What will work in our conditions? I want that sort of a side. I need that team. Even though I have RTMs, I am not going to use them. I will end up picking who I want. I will follow the strategy till the end,” he added. Besides Salt and Livingstone, RCB bagged Tim David and Josh Hazlewood alongside roping in Jitesh Sharma as the keeper-batter option. Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, and Jacob Bethell are other foreign names to join the RCB squad. (With inputs from agencies)

Will RCB reappoint Virat Kohli as captain for IPL 2025? Ravichandran Ashwin answers

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) purchased ace India spinner and ex-franchise player Ravichandran Ashwin for $1.1mn (INR 9.75 crore) on day one of the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, who was present at the auction table, reflected on Ashwin’s ‘homecoming’, who played for the side for six seasons (2009-2015) before.</p>

<p>To acquire Ashwin’s service, CSK fought hard with Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a four-way bidding war.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yellove Bol. 💛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UngalAnbuden?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UngalAnbuden</a> Ashwin 🦁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperAuction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://t.co/drAzxRBt5U">pic.twitter.com/drAzxRBt5U</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1860729732574196148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, CSK also purchased Afghanistan left-arm unorthodox spinner Noor Ahmed for $1.19mn (INR 10 crore), adding firepower to the spin department with Ravindra Jadeja already retained. Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) also chased Noor, but with CSK putting up a 10-crore counteroffer after GT decided to use RTM for him, they backed off, with Chennai winning the race for the T20 specialist.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-mega-auction-from-rishabh-pant-to-jos-buttler-list-of-players-sold-on-day-1-778921">IPL 2025 mega auction: From Rishabh Pant to Jos Buttler - list of players sold on day 1</a></strong></p>

<p>"It's a bit of a homecoming for Ashwin, but he's a world-class bowler," Fleming said after day one at the IPL 2025 mega auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's not so much the price - you look at how someone fits in, and there's an emotional attachment for Ashwin with Chennai, so it's a nice fit. He has still got a very good skillset; his numbers are fantastic. He's obviously towards the latter part of his career, but the experience he brings, he's handy with the bat, and we think we can use him in a number of ways.</p>

<p>"The Noor Ahmad pick was looking more at the middle [overs] to attack. So, if we do get turning conditions, then we've got an opportunity to keep taking wickets. We've got [Matheesha] Pathirana at the end, which is the death aspect,” the coach noted.</p>

<h2>Spin to win for CSK</h2>

<p>Emphasizing the importance of picking wickets and how it impacts the game’s result, especially in the shortest format, Fleming said he is content with the players they picked on day one.</p>

<p>"We've just identified that the way the game is going, your bowling has to be really specific, and you have to take wickets to slow teams down. And if you're just trying to contain, then some of the hitting power of players these days will just take the game away from you.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“So, we've tried to be smart with our options given our retained players and add some variation, which maybe we lacked a little bit last year,” the coach continued.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, besides Ashwin, CSK bought several familiar faces in Devon Conway (INR 6.5 crore) and Rachin Ravindra (INR 4 crore), who played for the franchise in the previous edition. The five-time IPL winners also picked up top order batter Rahul Tripathi for INR 3.40 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai has INR 15.60 crore left and 12 slots remaining to fill.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) purchased ace India spinner and ex-franchise player Ravichandran Ashwin for $1.1mn (INR 9.75 crore) on day one of the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) purchased ace India spinner and ex-franchise player Ravichandran Ashwin for $1.1mn (INR 9.75 crore) on day one of the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, who was present at the auction table, reflected on Ashwin’s ‘homecoming’, who played for the side for six seasons (2009-2015) before. To acquire Ashwin’s service, CSK fought hard with Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a four-way bidding war. Yellove Bol. 💛#UngalAnbuden Ashwin 🦁#SuperAuction @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/drAzxRBt5U — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 24, 2024 × Meanwhile, CSK also purchased Afghanistan left-arm unorthodox spinner Noor Ahmed for $1.19mn (INR 10 crore), adding firepower to the spin department with Ravindra Jadeja already retained. Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) also chased Noor, but with CSK putting up a 10-crore counteroffer after GT decided to use RTM for him, they backed off, with Chennai winning the race for the T20 specialist. ALSO READ: IPL 2025 mega auction: From Rishabh Pant to Jos Buttler - list of players sold on day 1 "It's a bit of a homecoming for Ashwin, but he's a world-class bowler," Fleming said after day one at the IPL 2025 mega auction. "It's not so much the price - you look at how someone fits in, and there's an emotional attachment for Ashwin with Chennai, so it's a nice fit. He has still got a very good skillset; his numbers are fantastic. He's obviously towards the latter part of his career, but the experience he brings, he's handy with the bat, and we think we can use him in a number of ways. "The Noor Ahmad pick was looking more at the middle [overs] to attack. So, if we do get turning conditions, then we've got an opportunity to keep taking wickets. We've got [Matheesha] Pathirana at the end, which is the death aspect,” the coach noted. Spin to win for CSK Emphasizing the importance of picking wickets and how it impacts the game’s result, especially in the shortest format, Fleming said he is content with the players they picked on day one. "We've just identified that the way the game is going, your bowling has to be really specific, and you have to take wickets to slow teams down. And if you're just trying to contain, then some of the hitting power of players these days will just take the game away from you. “So, we've tried to be smart with our options given our retained players and add some variation, which maybe we lacked a little bit last year,” the coach continued. Meanwhile, besides Ashwin, CSK bought several familiar faces in Devon Conway (INR 6.5 crore) and Rachin Ravindra (INR 4 crore), who played for the franchise in the previous edition. The five-time IPL winners also picked up top order batter Rahul Tripathi for INR 3.40 crore. Chennai has INR 15.60 crore left and 12 slots remaining to fill. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: CSK coach Stephen Fleming reflects on Ravi Ashwin’s ‘homecoming’

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