Virat Kohli hugs R Ashwin in the dressing room as spinner announces retirement after BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Virat Kohli was seen hugging Ravichandran Ashwin in the dressing room during the Tea break on Day 5 (Wednesday, December 18) of the third Border-Gavaskar series Test between India and Australia in Brisbane. The duo were involved in a serious discussion before Kohli hugged Ashwin, as captured by the camera.
Later, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in a press conference. Former India captain MS Dhoni had also retired mid-series during the 2014-15 tour of Australia.
Watch Kohli and Ashwin hugging below:
Ashwin played the second Test in Adelaide, picking up a solitary wicket. He scored 22 and seven runs in the two innings. Ravindra Jadeja replaced him in the playing XI for the third Test, while Washington Sundar was picked in the series opener in Perth.
Unlike Australia’s premier spinner Nathan Lyon, Ashwin was usually left out in SENA countries due to the pace-friendly conditions. He, however, was the first-choice spinner in home conditions.
Ashwin remains India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 537 scalps in 106 Tests. He is only behind India captain Anil Kumble, who bagged 619 wickets. Overall, the 38-year-old has 765 scalps in 287 matches across formats, behind Kumble’s 953.
The legendary off-spinner recently reunited with his former IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings and would be keen to finish his career at his home ground.
Notably, India’s big guns, including India captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli are also likely playing their last Test series in Australia.
“Fire is still burning” – When Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed retirement rumors in October 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin had dismissed retirement rumors during the Test series against Bangladesh earlier this year. At the same time, he said he is not targeting the 600-wicket milestone. He told JioCinema (via India Today):
“I don’t know. I think if you have miles in your legs and you can run really well. Look I think, it’s a day-to-day thing. Like I said, the joy of walking out there and going to a net and have that enthusiasm to be able to try and practice something is what drives me.”
“As of now, that fire is still burning but I don’t know how long will it last. I don’t want to think about it and play just one Test at a time and one day at a time and enjoy this,” he added.
Meanwhile, the third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw. The two teams will next lock horns at MCG, starting December 26. The five-match series is tied at 1-1, with two matches remaining.