"He was on social media straightaway" - Former England batter’s stunning take on R Ashwin’s retirement during BGT 2024-25

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has lauded Ravichandran Ashwin for his passion for the game. The 50-year-old pointed out how the legendary off-spinner was involved in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy via social media following his retirement from international cricket after the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Ashwin retired as one of the leading wicket-takers for India in Tests, picking up 537 scalps in 106 matches, including 37 five-wicket hauls. The 38-year-old was only behind former India captain Anil Kumble, who bagged 619 wickets for India.

Vaughan told Club Prairie Fire on YouTube: (28:42 onwards)

"He [Ashwin] has had a good time on socials since his retirement. 8, he’s finished and a lot of people that finish they’ve had enough with the game, they just wanna get away, you don’t hear from them for a while but he was on social media straightaway, contributing to the series."

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"He bowled without luck" - Adam Gilchrist on Akash Deep

Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist showered praise on young fast bowler Akash Deep, pointing out that he bowled without luck. The 53-year-old said in the same interaction: (29:58 onwards)

"Akash Deep played a couple, he was good, loved him. He bowled without luck. 7/10 from me."

Akash bagged five wickets in two Tests before missing out on the last Test due to an injury.

Meanwhile, Vaughan lauded Akash for his fighting display with the bat in the third Test at the Gabba. The pacer ensured India avoided follow-on by sharing a 47-run partnership with Jasprit Bumrah for the last wicket.

"Yeah, he batted well in Brisbane and that he got them over the line for that follow-on. 7/10."

Gilchrist, meanwhile, lauded Harshit Rana's efforts with the ball in the first Test, where he bagged four wickets. He also credited Team India for their bowling reserves.

Gilchrist said (31:00 onwards):

"He [Harshit Rana] was strong. I think they [India] have got a good stock of quicks. The big dog, the fellow that’s simply out in the stratosphere of sport of Test cricket. And then Mohammed Shami comes back in and then you can pick Siraj. They are in good balance, good depth. They go deep."

Mohammed Shami, in particular, has returned to the Indian squad after over 12 months due to an ankle injury. He has been picked for the five-game home T20I series against England.