'Would Have Had Heart Attack 25 Years Ago" - Recently Retired Ravichandran Ashwin on Receiving Call From Two Indian Greats

Add as a preferred source on Google

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared a screenshot of his call log on the "last day as Indian cricketer" featuring calls from two greats of the game, saying he would have had an heart attack if some told him this was going to happen 25 years ago.

Ashwin stunned the cricketing world when the senior player announced his retirement from international cricket following the completion of the fourth Test between India and Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 18).

Since his announcement, the 38-year-old has received tribute from across the cricketing fraternity with some of his teammates and ex colleagues wishing him the best on social media, while many have called him privately to convey their messages.

Two days after the retirement announcement, Ashwin took to social media to share a screenshot of his call log, thanking legendary Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar for their gesture.

"If some one told me 25 years ago that I would have a smart phone with me and the call log on the last day of my career as an Indian cricketer would look like this☺️☺️, I would have had a heart attack then only. Thanks @sachin_rt and @therealkapildev paaji🙏🙏 #blessed," Ashwin posted on X with his call log screenshot.

Earlier, Tendulkar had also taken to social media to pay tribute to the seasoned spinner, who bowed out of his international career with 537 Test wickets and 228 wickets across limited overs formats.

"Ashwin, I've always admired how you approached the game with your mind and heart in perfect sync. From perfecting the carrom ball to contributing crucial runs, you always found a way to win," Tendulkar posted on X.

"Watching you grow from a promising talent to one of India's finest match-winners has been wonderful. Your journey shows that true greatness lies in never being afraid to experiment and evolve. Your legacy will inspire one and all. Wishing you all the very best for your 2nd innings."

Meanwhile, Kapil Dev had also shared his tribute to the retiring spinner saying, "He was ready to experiment, and that is what set him apart. In a game where the batters get the most accolades, Ashwin stood out with his prowess.

"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," Kapil Dev was quoted as saying by PTI.