Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Ravichandran Ashwin on his illustrious 14-year international cricket career following his retirement announcement. In a heartfelt letter, the PM lauded Ashwin's contributions to Indian cricket, describing his retirement as a "surprising carrom ball" that caught fans off guard.

"Your jersey number 99 will be sorely missed," the PM wrote, emphasizing Ashwin's knack for weaving a web around opponents with his bowling variations. He also recalled memorable moments, including Ashwin's match-saving innings in Sydney in 2021 and his sharp cricketing instincts during the WT20 in 2022.

PM Modi also commended Ashwin's resilience during personal challenges, such as playing despite family emergencies, and his meticulous approach to the game, possibly influenced by his engineering background.

In his letter, Modi acknowledged the sacrifices of Ashwin's family and encouraged him to continue inspiring future generations. "As an ambassador of the game, both on and off the field, you have made the nation and your family proud," he concluded.