“I will be walking out with you to bat at the MCG” - R Ashwin’s heartfelt response to Virat Kohli’s retirement post after BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
As R Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test at The Gabba, congratulatory messages and wishes poured in from several of his teammates. One special retirement post came from former Indian captain Virat Kohli.
In an emotional post, Virat expressed his respect for Ashwin and thanked him for his contributions to Indian cricket. The 38-year-old all-rounder responded to Kohli's post, thanking him for the wishes.
R Ashwin also made a cheeky statement in his response, stating that he will be walking out with Virat to bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Kohli tweeted:
"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 are 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."🇮🇳
In response to Kohli's tweet, Ashwin wrote:
"Thanks buddy! Like I told you, I will be walking out with you to bat at the MCG"
As Ashwin has already retired and did not stay back with the Indian team for the remaining two Tests, flying back to Chennai, it is unlikely that he will be back at the MCG. However, his response could mean that he will stay with Virat in his thoughts as he walks out to bat at Melbourne.
Theoretically, R Ashwin could also be referring to their epic partnership at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. Although Ashwin played just two balls in that match and remained unbeaten on one, he hit the winning runs, with Virat unbeaten on 82 at the other end. It was a memorable chase as India were in a tricky situation, with the game seeming almost out of India's reach at one point.
R Ashwin's special connection with the MCG
Ashwin has had an impressive record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when it comes to Test matches. The veteran all-rounder has picked up 14 wickets from three Tests at the MCG, including two match five-wicket hauls.
When India last played Australia in a Test at the MCG during their 2020-21 tour, Ashwin played a key role with the ball, picking up five wickets in the match, and helping India win the game as well.
The 2022 T20 World Cup win against Pakistan at the venue, where he was in the middle during the winning moment, adds to his special memories of the MCG.
With the ongoing BGT 2024-25 series level at 1-1, the crucial fourth Test is set to be played in Melbourne, where both teams will be keen to grab what could be a series-defining victory.