"You Bowled A Carrom Ball": PM Modi Writes Emotional Letter To R Ashwin On Surprising Retirement

PM Narendra Modi thanked Ravichandran Ashwin for his exemplary services to the game of cricket and his country as the latter decided to retire from international cricket.

India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement announcement left every cricket fan across the world stunned. Still one of the best spinners in the game, Ashwin called time on his international career midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As the Brisbane Test concluded, there was a sense of sorrow in the Indian camp, with Ashwin deciding to hang his boots. Even his teammates in the Indian dressing room were caught off-guard by the announcement. As Ashwin prepares for another chapter in his career, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt letter to the iconic spinner who emerged as one of the country's biggest match-winners in the longest format of the game.

In his letter, PM Modi wrote how Ashwin's retirement announcement felt like a 'carrom ball'. From emerging as one of the highest wicket-takers for India in international cricket to the personal sacrifices made, PM Modi paid his gratitude to the off-spinner from Tamil Nadu for everything he did for the game and his country.

I hope that this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits.

The announcement of your retirement from international cricket surprised fans in India and across the world. At a time when everyone was looking forward to many more off-breaks, you bowled a carrom ball that bowled everyone. However, everyone understands that this must have been a hard decision for you as well, especially after the outstanding career you have had playing for India.