R Ashwin had a Real Chance of Surpassing Anil Kumble to Become India Highest Wicket-Taker in the Purest Format However he Retired in the Middle of the Ongoing 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT)

R Ashwin shocked the cricketing fraternity by announcing his international retirement soon after the third Test between India and Australia, at The Gabba, Brisbane, ended in a draw.

Ashwin ended his illustrious career with 537 Test scalps, only behind Anil Kumble (who tops the list for India with 619 wickets) and 228 wickets in white-ball formats.

Ashwin had a real chance of surpassing Kumble to become India's highest wicket-taker in the purest format.

However, he retired in the middle of the ongoing 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).

Thus, Kumble reacted to his retirement and expressed his disappointment as he was backing Ashwin to surpass his wicket-tally.

"Congratulations, Ash, on a fantastic career.

You’ve been a champion bowler for India, a champion all-rounder for India. You’ll certainly be missed.

It’s not that easy, carrying that kind of expectation day in and day out.

You’ve done it right throughout your career.

You’ve been a match-winner for India, and Team India will certainly miss you," Kumble said in a video shared by ESPNcricinfo.

"I, for one, am a bit disappointed that you ended your career today at the international level.

Ideally, I would have wanted to see you go beyond 619, but you have your reasons for that," Kumble further opined.

"All the best to you in your second chapter.

And I am sure it will be as glorious as chapter one.

So, Ash, here’s to a fantastic career that you’ve had for India. And congratulations once again.

All the very best. Catch you soon," the former Indian captain added.

Ashwin ends his career as India's second-highest wicket-taker in international cricket, finishing with 765 victims.

Only Kumble is ahead of him, with 953 scalps.