BGT 2024: Virat Kohli shares heartfelt embrace with R Ashwin before the off-spinner announces international retirement

Kohli and Ashwin shared a hug in the Indian dressing room on Day 5 at the Gabba.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Dec, 2024

Virat Kohli's heartfelt embrace with an emotional Ravichandran Ashwin sparked retirement rumours, which was later confimed by the seasoned off-spinner.

The duo shared a hug in the Indian dressing room while the players waited for rain to stop at the Gabba on the fifth day of play.

The visuals led to fans speculating whether Ashwin will announce his retirement after the conclusion of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test.

Here are the reactions:

As it turned out, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect after the Gabba Test ended in a draw.

Notably, Ashwin was overlooked for the series opener in Perth while he got an opportunity in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, where he picked up one wicket and scored 29 runs across the two innings.

Ashwin was not selected in India’s playing XI for the Gabba Test as well. The Indian team management replaced him with Ravindra Jadeja, who failed to claim a wicket in the rain-hit match but produced a fine knock of 77 under pressure.

Ashwin finished his career as India's second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, claiming 537 wickets in 106 matches at an impressive average of 25.76. 

By Salman Anjum - 18 Dec, 2024

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