"Will really miss that spinner with magic in his fingers" - Cricket fraternity hail Ravichandran Ashwin as champion off-spinner announces retirement

Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stunned the cricketing world by announcing his international retirement on Wednesday, December 18. The 38-year-old made his announcement in the press conference following the drawn Brisbane Test between India and Australia.

While Ashwin made way for his decade-long spin-bowling partner in crime, Ravindra Jadeja, in the Brisbane outing, he was part of India's playing XI in the previous Test at Adelaide. Nevertheless, Ashwin finishes his stellar career as the seventh leading wicket-taker in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 outings.

The 38-year-old was also part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning teams, finishing his career with 228 wickets in the white-ball formats.

Ashwin's retirement took several cricketers by surprise, yet, they were quick to praise the champion off-spinner on their Twitter handles. Sanjay Manjrekar wrote on X:

"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."

Here are some of the other reactions:

Several other cricketers reacted to Ashwin's retirement, including former head coach Ravi Shastri, who said:

"Hey Ash, congratulations on a magnificent career, old boy. You were an invaluable asset during my tenure as coach and enriched the game immensely with your skill and craft. God bless."

"Take a bow, Ashwin bro! Your magic with the ball, sharp cricketing mind, and unmatched passion for Test cricket will forever be etched in our hearts. Thank you for giving us countless moments of joy and pride. Wishing you all the best for your next chapter!" wrote Suresh Raina.

"The entire sports fraternity will remember the Legend and his Legacy. @ashwinravi99, you have always inspired us with your journey and definitely you will be missed. Good luck, champion," posted Jhulan Goswami.

Ravichandran Ashwin's teammates pay tribute to the retiring cricketer

The tributes did not stop only with the former players as some of Ravichandran Ashwin's India teammates shared their love and admiration for the retiring cricketer.

Ace batter Virat Kohli, who has played many a matches with Ashwin, posted on X:

"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 cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket."

"Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy," he added.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had similar words of praise for Ashwin, writing on Instagram:

"We’ve played together for so many years and created so many memories which I’ll cherish forever. You’ve been a match winner since match 1 & left a lasting impression on all the young bowlers coming through the ranks. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of upcoming young bowlers with the classic Ashwin action. You are a true OG & legend of Indian Cricket & World Cricket and this team will miss having you. Wishing the best to you & your lovely family for what lies ahead."

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also posted a tribute video for Ashwin.

Meanwhile, Ashwin will continue to play club cricket, with his next on-field action coming potentially for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025.