Before R Ashwin's retirement became official, it was an emotional hug with Virat Kohli that made it clear that the India spinner was set to call it quits.
On the final day of the Gabba Test, Ashwin and Kohli sat in the India dressing room as bad light forced an early tea. As rain became heavy, cameras panned towards the two, sitting next to each other and discussing something with Ashwin's arm around Kohli.
Ashwin announces retirement, live updates: Tributes pour in for the India spinner
Kohli then gave Ashwin a big hug, with Ashwin looking visibly emotional. The two then sat for a while with their arms around each other, as commentators speculated the nature of their emotional conversation.
🫂💙🇮🇳
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 18, 2024
Emotional moments from the Indian dressing room 🥹#AUSvINDOnStar #BorderGavaskarTrophy #Ashwin #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/92a4NqNsyP
It was a precursor to the actual announcement: not too long after, Ashwin accompanied Rohit at the post-match press conference, the match having ended in a draw, and revealed that this was his last day as an international cricketer.
As tributes starting pouring in, Kohli – who led Ashwin for 55 Tests – also put out a heartwarming statement for Ashwin:
"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 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
"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."
Under Kohli, Ashwin took 293 wickets at 22.13, including 21 five-fors and five ten-fors.
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