Just before the ace Indian spin legend, Ravichandran Ashwin, announced his retirement from international cricket, Virat Kohli, the former captain and batting mainstay of Team India, shared a touching emotional embrace and conversation moment in the Gabba dressing room. He then took to social media to reflect on his relationship and journey with his now-former teammate.
Notably, Kohli expressed his heartfelt respects to the Chennai-based batsman following the third Test in the present Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) ending in a draw. The former captain notably stated in his heartfelt speech that he was an Indian match-winner during his storied career. In addition, he said that the two had played together for 14 long years in the international cricket arena and wished them luck in their future endeavours after retirement.
For those who are unaware, Ashwin hanged his boots on Wednesday, December 18, following the completion of the Test match against Australia in Brisbane. Rain combined with poor lighting on the fifth and final day of play resulted in a draw, tying the coveted BGT 2024-25 Test series at one.
When you announced today that you were retiring, I became a little upset and had memories of our 14 years of playing together. I’ve loved every moment of the road with you, Ash. You are an unmatched talent and match-winning contributor to Indian cricket, and you will always be regarded as a legend,” Kohli said on his “X” handle.
“I hope you have the happiest possible life with your family and in anything else that comes your way. I love and respect you and your loved ones very much. I appreciate everything, friend,” he continued.
Check out Virat Kohli’s viral message for Ravichandran Ashwin here:
I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024
During the Brisbane Test, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli embraced in the dressing room.
Meanwhile, on Day 5 of the third Test, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin shared a heartwarming moment. The two were seen discussing something, and the latter was spotted crying, suggesting that the conversation was very emotional. This first sparked fan speculation about the famed off-spinner’s potential retirement, which ultimately proved to be accurate.
India captain Rohit Sharma shared the floor alongside Ravichandran Ashwin during the news conference shortly after the event ended, formally announcing his retirement from international cricket.
When it comes to Ashwin’s remarkable career with Team India, his best play occurred between 2014 and 2021, when Virat Kohli was captain. The 38-year-old took an incredible 765 international wickets in terms of his total contributions. In 287 games throughout the course of these 14 years, which started in 2010, Ashwin claimed 37 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket hauls.
In addition, Ravichandran Ashwin won both the 2016 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and the Cricketer of the Year award. The Sir Garfield, also known as the Garry Sobers Trophy, was thus only won by an Indian for the third time. Additionally, Ashwin was the top-ranked bowler in the world in the Test format on several occasions starting in 2015.
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