Should Have Never Left CSK: AB de Villiers On R Ashwin’s Retirement
Former Indian cricketer R. Ashwin announced his retirement from his international career last year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia and recently from the Indian Premier League (IPL) too. He opted to end his IPL career from the franchise CSK, from where it all started. He has represented various franchises over the years, such as Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Punjab Kings.
Ashwin started his IPL career with CSK in the year 2009 and was part of the winning team in 2010 and 2011.
After Ashwin's retirement from the IPL, former South African batter AB de Villiers believes that Ashwin should have never left CSK, as he never felt settled when he played for other teams.
He said,
"Stellar career. It has got to be said, what a wonderful player. What a scientist of the game. A doctor, professor of the game. He always took it to the limits of the rule book. Generally got it right, even though he was frowned upon a little bit. I have a lot of respect for guys who study the game, and he was one of such cricketers."
The 38-year-old has played a total of 221 matches, taking 187 wickets. In the year 2011 and CSK's win, he dismissed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Chris Gayle, which was one of the most famous wickets of Ashwin in his IPL career.
"I will always remember him as a yellow jersey guy": De Villiers
Further, de Villiers said,
"Incredible skill. A huge player and icon in India. He won so many games for Team India and CSK over the years. He played for other teams but never felt settled at those teams. In my opinion, he should have always stayed at CSK. Obviously, it was not up to him, as a lot of things go into that retention, all kinds of team selection. But I will always remember him as a yellow jersey guy."
"Ashwin was Underrated with the bat" : De Villiers
De Villiers also praised Ashwin's batting in IPL and stated that as underrated.
He said,
"Very underrated with the bat in hand. It is not spoken enough about how he showed a lot of character with the bat in hand. Generally, with Team India in trouble, he would have sort of come through."