Ravichandran Ashwin picks his successor post-retirement, announces it on social media; who is he?

With the sudden and unexpected retirement announcement by India's decorated off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin following a draw against Australia in the third Test at Brisbane, a void was created in the Indian cricket team, and one question on everyone's mind was who would replace the spin wizard.

On December 18, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which shocked not only his fans but also his critics and former cricketers.

Though no one was expecting him to announce his retirement, many felt that Ashwin could have made it after the end of the series.

While Indian cricket fans remain worried about his replacement, it appears that Ashwin has decided on whom he will pass the baton.

Soon after Ashwin's retirement announcement, India's off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar penned a heartfelt tribute on his social media account.

He wrote, “More than just a team mate, you have been an inspiration, Ash anna. It's been an honour to share the field and dressing room with you.”

“Coming from the same state of Tamil Nadu, I have grown up watching you from the close corners of Chepauk to playing against and alongside you. Every moment has been a privilege. The learnings, both on and off the field, are something I will carry forever. Wishing you success and happiness in whatever comes next,” Sundar concluded.

Replying to Sundar's post, Ashwin wrote on Friday, "‘Thuppakiya pudinga washi!' “The 2 minutes you spoke that night in the get-together was the best.”

The comment ‘Thuppakiya pudinga washi!' was quoted by Ashwin from a famous dialogue from Tamil superstar Vijay's recent film, ‘Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.)’.

In the movie scene, Vijay interacts with actor Sivakarthikeyan in the washroom, and it means "hold this gun".

Sundar too hails from Chennai and may emerge as a good replacement for Ashwin in the spin-bowling section.

Earlier in the Perth Test, Sundar was chosen where he picked up two wickets in the second innings and made four and 29 with the bat. His contributions led India to win the Perth Test by 295 runs. In his seven Tests so far, Sundar has taken 24 wickets and scored 387 runs.

Ashwin's impressive stats

Ashwin leaves behind a legacy. He is India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind Anil Kumble. Overall, Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is for India, taking 765 wickets.

Ashwin, who made his Test debut in 2011, finishes with 37 five-wicket hauls in the longest format and bows out as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Tests and is the highest-taking bowler among off-spinners in Tests at the moment.

Apart from bowling, Ashwin has scored 3,503 runs and has six Test centuries to his name.