“From now on, I’m gonna call you ‘ledge’” - When Virat Kohli lauded R Ashwin for completing 400 Test wickets
Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, December 18, following the conclusion of the third Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ashwin remained a pivotal figure for the Indian team. When he became the second-fastest player to reach 400 Test wickets in just 77 matches in 2021, then-Indian captain Virat Kohli praised the Tamil Nadu cricketer's exceptional performances, calling him a legend.
This milestone was reached during the third Test of India's four-match series against England in February 2021, a day-night Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The hosts secured a commanding 10-wicket victory, with Ashwin taking seven wickets in the match to mark his 400th Test wicket.
In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli praised Ashwin for his immense contributions to Indian cricket, saying:
“We all need to stand up and take notice of what Ashwin has contributed to Indian cricket and we should all be very proud of it. I told him from now on I will call him ‘ledge’ [legend], 400 is an outstanding achievement, and still so many games, and so many years to go for India."
“I think in Test match cricket, he’s surely a modern-day legend. We’re just lucky to have him in our team, his skill sets, and how he applies himself and makes those breakthrough performances for the team every now and then, and as a captain, I’m so pleased that he plays for us,” Kohli continued.
Ashwin ended the series as the top wicket-taker, with 32 scalps from four matches, helping India secure a 3-1 series victory.
"I've enjoyed every bit of the journey with you" - Virat Kohli reacts to R Ashwin’s retirement
On December 18, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket, and former Indian captain Virat Kohli expressed his emotions by sharing a heartfelt message for the veteran spinner. Kohli wrote on X:
“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 cricket as second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.”
“Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy,” he added.
Ashwin concluded his career as the second-highest wicket-taker for India across all formats, with 765 wickets (537 in Tests, 156 in ODIs, 72 in T20Is) in 287 matches, just behind Anil Kumble, who claimed 953 wickets in 401 games.