R Ashwin be 'conferred with Khel Ratna', urges Congress MP to Union Sports Minister

Add as a preferred source on Google

Congress MP Vijay Vasanth has called on Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to confer the prestigious Khel Ratna Award on legendary cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.

The request, posted on social media by Vasanth on Friday, comes after Ashwin's retirement from international cricket, following the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane.

R Ashwin confirmed his retirement decision alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma, a moment that stirred emotions, with Ashwin seen tearfully hugging his teammate Virat Kohli after the final day of the match.

It is important to note that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had recommended Ashwin, along with Mithali Raj, for the 2021 Khel Ratna Award. However, while Mithali received the honour, Ashwin's nomination was overshadowed by the focus on Tokyo 2020 Olympic medalists like Neeraj Chopra. Vasanth's appeal for Ashwin to receive this honour post-retirement shows his unparalleled contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field.

Over a distinguished career spanning more than a decade, Ashwin has made a significant mark in international cricket. He retired with 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, making him the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history and the second-highest among Indian bowlers, trailing only Anil Kumble's 619 wickets. Ashwin also boasts 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, the second-most after Muttiah Muralitharan's 67, cementing his place as one of the greatest spinners in the game's history.

Apart from his impressive Test career, Ashwin's contributions in limited-overs cricket have been equally remarkable. With 228 wickets in 181 matches across all formats, including 156 wickets in 116 ODIs and 72 wickets in 65 T20Is, Ashwin has proven his versatility and consistency. His batting skills have also been valuable, with 707 runs in ODIs and 184 runs in T20Is. His all-round impact on the game, both as a bowler and a batsman, has played a vital role in India's cricketing success over the years.

Ashwin was an integral part of India's World Cup-winning team in 2011 and the 2013 Champions Trophy squad, contributing crucial wickets and stability to the team's performances. His role in India's rise to the top rankings in Test cricket between 2014 and 2019 further highlights his importance in Indian cricket.