New Delhi Unable to understand R Ashwin’s sudden decision to retire from international cricket, a shocked World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev says the premier off-spinner deserved a fitting farewell, preferably at home.
Ashwin shocked everyone by calling it quits on Wednesday, right after the Brisbane Test against Australia ended in a draw.
Kapil felt that Ashwin seemed unhappy about something.
“I was shocked at how one of India’s greatest cricketers chose to leave the game. The disappointment among the fans was widespread, but I also saw a tone of hurt on his face. He looked unhappy, and it was sad. He deserved much better, a fitting farewell,” Kapil said in a statement to PTI.
As usual, Ashwin chose to go his own way while withdrawing in the middle of an important series. Kapil said he would like to hear the Tamil Nadu man’s side of the story.
“He could have waited and announced his retirement on Indian soil, but I don’t know why Ashwin called it a day. I would like to hear his side of the story. Give him that respect. He has played 106 Tests for the country. I don’t think anyone can match his immense contribution to Indian cricket.”
Kapil hoped that the Board of Cricket in India would arrange a “grand farewell” for Ashwin.
“I am sure the parent association of cricket in India, BCCI, will plan a grand farewell for this giant match-winner of Team India,” he said.
Kapil, 65, said Ashwin was stalwart, a versatile and unorthodox bowler, who constantly pressured the batsmen with his change of pace and cleverly disguised line and length.
“He was ready to experiment, and that’s what sets him apart. In a game where batsmen get most of the accolades, Ashwin stood out with his skill.
“Ashwin was brave. He could bowl at any stage of the contest. Do you find bowlers with such tremendous tactical sense who can adapt quickly? He was his captain’s go-to man,” he said.
Praising both his cricketing brains and off-field character, Kapil said Ashwin was a match-winner unmatched in modern cricket.
“He has won India’s highest number of Man of the Series awards. It is a huge compliment which puts his game and consistency into perspective. He was not a ‘yes’ man and came across as a fierce fighter.
“He was a rare spinner who could bowl with the new ball, just like Anil Kumble. Thank God I didn’t have to play alongside him. I would have lost my place to Ashwin.
“He could bat, bowl, plane. He had the carrom ball, a fantastic slower one; if needed he could also pull out a leg-spinner. Fantastic. He could do anything on the cricket field,” he said. pays tribute to the man who finished with 537 Test wickets.
“Only a champion is not insecure, and Ashwin was a champion. He has given us great joy. I wish him all the happiness in the world,” he said.
This article was created from an automatic news agency feed with no changes to the text.
