Prime Minister says the latter's "jersey no. 99 will be sorely missed" in the cricket field

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his heartiest congratulations to off-spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin on his illustrious career who retired from international cricket. The PM said the latter’s “jersey no. 99 will be sorely missed” in the cricket field.

Concluding his 14-year international career after the Gabba Test ended in a draw, Ashwin has left behind a rich legacy as one of India’s greatest match-winners. His last international game was the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he took 1-53 in his 18 overs and made 29 runs with the bat.

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In his letter, PM Modi described Ashwin’s retirement as a surprising twist and equated it to an unexpected carrom ball instead of the anticipated off-breaks. “The announcement of your retirement from international cricket surprised fans in India and across the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everyone. However, everyone understands that this must have been a hard decision for you as well, especially after the outstanding career you have had playing for India,” the letter read.

“Please accept my heartiest congratulations on a career that has been full of brilliance, hard work and putting the team above everything else. As you bid farewell to international cricket, jersey number 99 will be sorely missed. Cricket lovers will miss the sense of expectation they felt when you took to the crease to bowl – there was always a feeling that you were weaving a web around the opponents that would trap a victim any moment. You possessed an uncanny ability to outwit batsmen with good old off-spin as well as innovative variations, as the situation demanded,” the letter continued.

Ashwin’s international career began in 2010 when he debuted in ODIs against Sri Lanka. A year later, he made his Test debut against the West Indies. Over 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, he claimed 765 wickets across all formats.

“As an ambassador of the game, both on and off the field, you have made the nation and your family proud. I take this opportunity to congratulate your parents, your wife Prithi and your daughters as well. Their sacrifices and support, I am sure, have been crucial to your growth as a cricketer and as a person. I hope that you get to spend more time with them, something that you would have looked forward to all these years. May you find ways to continue contributing to the game that you dearly love. Once again, heartiest congratulations on an illustrious career and best wishes for the future,” it concluded.