R Ashwin Deserved 'More Respect': India legend criticises Rohit Sharma's send-off for spinner

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Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire from international cricket has left a significant void in Indian cricket, but the manner of his farewell has sparked debate. Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev expressed his disappointment, stating that the off-spinner, one of the game's greats, deserved a more fitting farewell.

"If I had been there, I wouldn't have let him go like that," Kapil said, emphasising the need for a celebration befitting R Ashwin's monumental contributions to Indian cricket. The comments came after Ashwin made his retirement official during a post-match press conference alongside Indian skipper Rohit Sharma following the Brisbane Test.

The Test match itself was an intense contest, ending in a draw, but the spotlight quickly shifted to Ashwin's emotional announcement, which left fans and experts in shock.

R Ashwin, 37, bows out as one of the greatest cricketers India has ever produced. In a career spanning over a decade, the off-spinner played 106 Tests, taking an astonishing 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls. With the bat, he contributed 3,503 runs, cementing his status as one of the finest all-rounders in modern cricket. Globally, Ashwin is the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history and ranks second for India, behind the legendary Anil Kumble.

Beyond Tests, Ashwin's contributions in white-ball cricket were equally impactful. Across 181 limited-overs matches, he took 228 wickets, with highlights including his crucial role in India's victorious 2011 World Cup campaign and the 2013 Champions Trophy triumph. With a total of 765 international wickets, Ashwin stands as India's second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, a testament to his longevity and skill.

Kapil Dev's disappointment stems not from the statistics but from the lack of celebration surrounding R Ashwin's farewell. The retirement announcement, though emotional, felt subdued for a player of his stature. "We should have sent him off with respect and happiness," Kapil remarked, lamenting the missed opportunity to honor Ashwin appropriately.

The cricketing fraternity has since poured in tributes for the off-spinner, highlighting his intellect, versatility, and unmatched contributions to Indian cricket. While his absence will be deeply felt, R Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that future generations will strive to emulate. However, the question lingers: did Indian cricket do enough to celebrate the departure of one of its finest ambassadors? For Kapil Dev, the answer is a resounding no.