Aaron Finch recalls Mankad warning to R Ashwin: 'Not forcing me out; wish you a happy retirement'

New Delhi: Former Australian captain Aaron Finch shared a humorous message to congratulate Ravi Ashwin on his retirement from international cricket after India's third Test against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane. Finch, who is currently playing for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, fondly recalled a funny moment from the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) when Ashwin had hilariously warned him about a potential runout.

During a game between Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Ashwin issued a warning to Finch, advising the batter to stay alert. In 2018, Ashwin and Finch had been teammates at PBKS.

Finch wrote, “One of the all-time careers. Congratulations R Ashwin. It was a pleasure to play with and against you. PS: Thanks for not running me out this day!”

Congratulations @ashwinravi99
You’ve been one of the greats and it was a pleasure to play with and against you! pic.twitter.com/2Yoany79hC

— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) December 18, 2024

While Finch has retired from professional cricket, Ashwin will play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The Super Kings paid INR 9.75 crore to secure the experienced off-spinner.

Ashwin revealed his retirement decision following the drawn Gabba Test between India and Australia. After being absent from the Perth Test, Ashwin managed just one wicket in the Day-Night Test at Adelaide. He was also not included in the playing XI for the Brisbane Test.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me in as a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my teammates,” Ashwin said in the post-match presentation ceremony.