Former captain Virat Kohli paid an emotional tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin, the most successful Indian off-spinner following his decision to retire from international cricket after conclusion of the Gabba test which ended in a draw.
Virat Kohli highlighted R Ashwin's match-winning contributions in Test cricket and said the off-spinner would be 'remembered as a legend of Indian cricket'.
Taking to social media account X (formerly Twitter) he wrote," 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."
He added,"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."
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
The rumours about R Ashwin's retirement emerged after he was seen sharing a warm embrace with Virat Kohli. during a rain interruption in the dressing room at Gabba, Brisbane on Wednesday, December 18. Ashwin, one of the frontline spinners in India's squad, played in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. However, he was dropped for the third Test in Brisbane as the tourists decided to bring in left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja.
R Ashwin's career achievements
Ashwin played an integral role in India's home series dominance during Virat Kohli's captaincy between 2014 and 2021. The veteran spinner was named the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016, becoming only the third Indian to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for his remarkable all-round performances that year.
He has held the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings multiple times, reflecting his dominance in the longest format. First achieving the milestone in 2015, Ashwin consistently reclaimed the position due to his match-winning spells, especially on subcontinental pitches.