Ashwin called time of his India career after 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is.
It was a huge surprise that R Ashwin retired but he received a plethora of messages from the Indian cricket fraternity. One such messages was from Virat Kohli who stated that he enjoyed every bit of his time playing for India with him.
“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,” Kohli posted on X.
Ashwin responded to Virat Kohli's heartfelt retirement message to him as the spinner also assured the star batter that he would be present in sprits when Kohli walks on to bat at the MCG against Australia in the side's Boxing Day Test on December 26.
“Thanks buddy! Like I told you, I will be walking out with you to bat at the MCG,” Ashwin posted.
Ashwin also paid rich tribute to cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev for reaching out to him after announced his cricket retirement.
Sharing the memorable interaction, Ashwin revealed he had a FaceTime conversation with Tendulkar and a WhatsApp call from Kapil Dev, marking a poignant conclusion to his illustrious career.
"If someone told me 25 years ago that I would have a smartphone with me and the call log on the last day of my career as an Indian cricketer would look like this, I would have had a heart attack then only. Thanks, @sachin_rt and @therealkapildev paaji," Ashwin posted on X.
Ashwin leaves the game as one of India's greatest matchwinners, with 537 Test wickets—second only to Anil Kumble—and six centuries in the longest format. His record for the most Player of the Series awards in men's Test cricket (11) speaks volumes about his ability to influence games.