In a touching moment of camaraderie, Ravichandran Ashwin shared a heartfelt message with his long-time teammate, Virat Kohli, on Friday. Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket following India's drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane, expressed his gratitude towards Kohli for his emotional tribute.
Ashwin has been a key figure in the Indian cricket team for 14 years, and his retirement marks the end of an era. Kohli, in his message, reflected on the years spent together on the field and the memories they've created.
"I've played with you for 14 years, and when you told me today you're retiring, it made me a bit emotional. Flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I've enjoyed every bit of the journey with you, Ash," Kohli wrote on social media hours after Ashwin's announcement.
Ashwin, known for his witty yet heartfelt responses, replied to Kohli with a message filled with warmth and a hint of nostalgia. "Thanks buddy! Like I told you, I will be walking out with you to bat at the MCG," he wrote, offering a glimpse into their close relationship. This message from Ashwin was seen as a subtle yet powerful testament to the bond they share, especially after more than a decade of playing together.
While it remains unclear what Ashwin exactly meant by his statement, many assumed that he was referring to their memorable partnership in the 2022 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.
In that match, Ashwin joined Kohli at the crease during the final two balls of India's thrilling chase of 160 runs, with the match hanging in the balance. Despite facing pressure, both players held their composure.
Kohli's match-winning 82 not out and Ashwin's crucial one-run contribution helped India seal an unforgettable victory. That brief yet significant moment at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) became a cherished memory for both players and fans alike.
The emotional farewell between Ashwin and Kohli came just before Ashwin's retirement announcement. The two were seen engaged in a heartfelt conversation in the Indian dressing room, with Kohli expressing his surprise at the news while Ashwin wiped away tears.
Their emotional moment culminated in a tight hug, symbolising the deep bond they shared both on and off the field. This exchange, which was witnessed by teammates, led to speculations about Ashwin's retirement decision, and within hours, he confirmed his plans to step away from international cricket.
Ashwin, who arrived in Chennai on Thursday, was warmly welcomed by his family and friends, who had gathered to celebrate his remarkable career. Over the years, Ashwin has earned widespread acclaim for his contributions to Indian cricket.
In 106 Test matches, he took 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, and scored 3,503 runs, establishing himself as one of the finest spinners in the history of the game.
Ashwin's decision to retire comes at a time when he has remained an integral part of India's cricketing fabric. His career achievements, both with the bat and the ball, have made him one of India's most successful cricketers. Despite stepping away from international cricket, Ashwin's legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.
As the Indian team prepares for the upcoming third Test against Australia in Melbourne on December 26, Ashwin's absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field. However, his retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life, where he will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the sport, perhaps in a different capacity.
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