Former India chief selectors Dilip Vengsarkar and MSK Prasad welcome R Ashwin | Cricket News

Mumbai: Two of India’s most renowned chief selectors Dilip Vengsarkar amd MSK Prasad paid tribute to off-spin star Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket shortly after the conclusion of the third Test in Brisbane Border Gavaskar Trophy On Wednesday, former India captain and chief selector Dlip Vengsarkar told TOI that the 38-year-old was an impressive bowler even in foreign conditions.
Ashwin’s critics have often pointed to the veteran tweaker’s modest overseas record (150 wickets in 40 Tests at 30.55) compared to his overall record (537 wickets in 106 Tests at 24.00), but Vengsarkar opines that “if India did well, his bowling had a big impact on the Tests.”
Conversation with TOI on the sidelines Harris Shield Speaking at the recent awards distribution event at the Brabourne Stadium of the Cricket Club of India, where he was the chief guest, Vengsarkar said: “I rate Ashwin as one of the greats of the game. Ashwin has won a lot of games for India by taking wickets whenever he did.” Some so-called experts talk about his stats (in overseas Tests) but I feel his bowling had a big impact in the Tests. He was a very disciplined and dedicated cricketer.
Vengsarkar also praised Ashwin, the batsman who scored 3503 runs in 106 Tests at 25.75, including six Test centuries. “Ashwin was also an accomplished batsman and played crucial innings to either save Tests or win them,” said the 116-Test veteran.
Prasad felt that a great player like Ashwin deserved a “legendary fate”.
“Although retirement decisions are personal, a legendary farewell would certainly have been a fitting tribute to his illustrious career. It would not only celebrate his achievements but also give fans, teammates and the cricket fraternity an opportunity to express their gratitude for his immense contribution. Regardless of when or how he decides to retire, his legacy as one of India’s greatest cricketers will forever be etched in history,” the former India wicket-keeper said.
“Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket are indeed monumental. His ability to adapt across formats, be it in Tests, ODIs or T20s, showcases his unmatched skill, intelligence and resilience. “His statistics, particularly in Test cricket, place him as one of the all-time greats, with his consistency and ability to deliver at crucial moments being key to India’s success over the last decade,” praised Prasad.