All-rounder Washington Sundar posted a heartfelt message in tribute to teammate and ‘mentor’ R Ashwin after the off-spinner retired from international cricket on Wednesday, December 18. Washington said he has learned a lot from his Tamil Nadu teammate and would look to use them in his career.
In an unforeseen call, R Ashwin announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect after the end of the drawn Test between India and Australia in Gabba on Wednesday.
“More than just a teammate – Ash anna, you have been an inspiration, a mentor and a true champion of the game. It’s been an honor to share the field and the dressing room with you,” Washington Sundar said in his social media post, referring fondly to the off-spinner as ‘Ash Anna (Ash brother)’.
“Coming from the same state of TN, I have grown up watching you from the close corners of Chepauk to playing against you and alongside you. Every moment has been a privilege. The learnings, both on and off the field are something I will carry with me forever. Wishing you success and happiness in whatever comes next,” he added.
Also Read: What forced R Ashwin to make shock call midway through Australia tour?
Notably, Washington Sundar is being looked at as a replacement for Ashwn in the Test side. Sundar played ahead of Ashwin in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. India picked as many as three spinners in their jumbo 18-man squad for the Test series in Australia. It was widely expected that one of Ashwin and Jadeja would play the first Test of the series, but Sundar was ahead of the pecking order.
Legendary Sunil Gavaskar, speaking after Ashwin’s retirement, highlighted that the emergence of Sundar might have influenced the off-spinner to call it time on his career.
“Maybe Washington Sundar is ahead of him. Rohit said he is flying out tomorrow. So that’s the end of Ashwin as an international cricketer. He has been one heck of a cricketer,” Gavaskar told the broadcasters.
Sundar picked 18 wickets in the three-match series against New Zealand at home. It marked his return to the Test side for the first time since 2021.
