"You've been an inspiration.." Washington Sundar pens emotional tribute for Ravi Ashwin

Ravi Ashwin was benched for two of the first three tests against Australia.

Washington Sundar, the understudy of Ravi Ashwin, has penned an emotional note, paying a rich tribute to the senior off-spinner who announced his international retirement on Wednesday.

Ravi Ashwin bowed out of international cricket following the drawn third test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Gabba. Having made his India debut in 2010, Ashwin became a pillar of the side for the years to come.

He became arguably India’s biggest match-winner in test cricket, on the back of whose success India created a historic home legacy from 2012 to 2024.

Ravi Ashwin played in 106 tests, picking up 537 wickets, which is the second-most by an Indian bowler, and 37 five-wicket hauls, the joint second-most in the world.

The off-spinner bagged 11 Player of the Series awards in his test career, joint-most in the world with Muttiah Muralitharan. To go with his bowling records, Ashwin was a handy batter as well, scoring over 3500 runs at an average of 25 with six centuries and 14 fifties.

Ashwin had, however, suffered a blip recently. In the 0-3 series loss against New Zealand, he picked up nine wickets at an average of 41.22. In the three matches in Australia so far, he played in only one, in Adelaide, managing one wicket in it.

Washington Sundar’s emotional tribute for Ravi Ashwin:

Sundar, who is touted to take over Ashwin’s place in the side as the lead off-spinner, took to Instagram to write an emotional tribute for Ashwin.

Sundar wrote, “More than just a teammate – Ash anna, you have been an inspiration, a mentor and a true champion of the game. It’s been an honor to share the field and the dressing room with you.”

“Coming from the same state of TN, I have grown up watching you from the close corners of Chepauk to playing against you and alongside you. Every moment has been a privilege. The learnings, both on and off the field are something I will carry with me forever. Wishing you success and happiness in whatever comes next,” he added.

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A post shared by Washington Sundar (@washisundar555)

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