The cricket world was stunned by Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement from international cricket after India’s third Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane on December 18. Ashwin called time on his international career but he will continue to ply his trade in the domestic arena.
Amid the outpouring of emotions across social media platforms, former Australian captain Aaron Finch shared a touching message for the Indian spin maestro as he paid a heartfelt yet playful tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin.
Aaron Finch recalls IPL memories with Ravichandran Ashwin in his farewell message
Taking to his social media handles, Finch lauded Ashwin as “one of the greats,” reminiscing about the challenges and joys of playing both alongside and against the off-spinner. Among the fond memories, the former Australian cricketer brought up a light-hearted moment from the Indian Premier League (IPL) that showcased Ashwin’s sportsmanship.
During an IPL 2020 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, Ravichandran Ashwin had the chance to run Aaron Finch out at the non-striker’s end, but the Indian spin master chose to issue a friendly warning instead.
This incident became a symbol of mutual respect and camaraderie between Finch and Ashwin, who has the reputation for executing the ‘Mankad’ dismissals, especially in the IPL, and England captain Jos Buttler was the famous victim. However, later they became teammates at the Rajasthan Royals.
It was a pleasure to play with and against you: Finch on Ashwin
Meanwhile, Aaron Finch, who had also shared the dressing room with Ravichandran Ashwin during their stint at Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2018, took to social media to post a throwback photo from their IPL days.
With a cheeky nod to Ashwin’s reputation for the ‘Mankad’ dismissal, Finch wrote on X: “One of the all-time careers. Congratulations, R. Ashwin. It was a pleasure to play with and against you. PS: Thanks for not running me out this day!”
Congratulations @ashwinravi99
You’ve been one of the greats and it was a pleasure to play with and against you! pic.twitter.com/2Yoany79hC— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) December 18, 2024
Notably, Finch has already retired from professional cricket, while Ashwin will play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2025. CSK paid INR 9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction to secure the experienced off-spinner’s services.
Ravichandran Ashwin retired as one of the game’s greats
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Ashwin retired as India’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Anil Kumble and the third most prolific spinner of all time in Test cricket with 537 scalps and one of the finest all-rounders in the game. Over his incredible career, he not only excelled as a bowler but also contributed with the bat, scoring 3,503 Test runs.
Ashwin has also 156 wickets in 116 ODIs and 72 wickets in 65 T20Is to his name. The bowling all-rounder is the fastest bowler to take 300 wickets and the second fastest to take 400 wickets in Test cricket, behind only Sri Lanka’s Muthiah Muralitharan.
Announcing his retirement, Ashwin said at the presser, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So, this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my teammates.”