'Salute to what you have achieved', Ashwin will never forget these words in praise of the great Muralitharan.

The world's greatest bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has reacted to Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement. He said something about Ashwin which the Indian spinner will remember throughout his life. Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, the most successful bowler in cricket history, praised Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and called him an inspiration for aspiring cricketers. Let us tell you that Ashwin retired from international cricket after the conclusion of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 18).

'Salute to what he achieved'

Ashwin (537) finished his career as the second highest wicket-taker for India behind Anil Kumble (619). Murali said that this is no small achievement. Muralitharan said in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sports, 'You must remember that Ashwin started his career as a batsman and tried his hand at spin as a part-time option. He soon realized that his batting aspirations were over. He focused his attention on bowling. Congratulations to him for taking this bold step and what he has achieved so far. Reaching 500 Test wickets is not an easy task.

he worked hard'

Muralitharan retired from Test cricket after taking 800 wickets in 133 matches. He had seen Ashwin in his early days and saw him as a smart young man who was always eager to learn. Telecom Asia Sport quoted Murali as saying, 'I was in the final stages of my career when he came on the field, but I thought he was a smart young man who was eager to learn. They sought advice, asked thoughtful questions, and worked hard to improve themselves. His dedication and devotion set him apart from others.

The whole country is proud – Muraleedharan

With 537 Test wickets, Ashwin is the seventh most successful bowler in Test history and the second most successful off spinner behind Murali. “Retiring as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test matches is a great achievement,” Murali said. Ashwin has made himself, Tamil Nadu cricket and the entire country proud. I wish him success in his second innings.

Murali was impressed by the fact that Ashwin's passion for learning has always been strong. The Sri Lankan legend said, 'While his career was coming to an end, his passion for learning never diminished. The varieties he developed. Look at these – this is proof that he was not satisfied with his achievements. He always keeps moving forward.