Kohli-Ashwin Share Emotional Hug: Is Retirement of a Legend Imminent?
On Day 5 of the third Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a brief pause for bad light took an emotional turn. Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin shared a heartfelt hug on the field. The viral video has fans on social media buzzing. They speculate that one of the Indian greats may soon retire from Test cricket.
🫂💙🇮🇳
Emotional moments from the Indian dressing room 🥹#AUSvINDOnStar #BorderGavaskarTrophy #Ashwin #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/92a4NqNsyP
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 18, 2024
Rumors Swirl Around Retirement
The emotional exchange between Ashwin and Kohli matches earlier reports. They hinted at a “big announcement” after the Test match. With India needing 267 runs in about 50 overs to win, fans have speculated. They think Ashwin, Kohli, or both might retire from Test cricket.
Reasons for Speculation
- Dip in Senior Players’ Form: Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have shown a decline in Test form. This has sparked talks of their retirement.
- Ashwin’s Limited Role Overseas: Ravichandran Ashwin’s weak record in overseas Tests has raised doubts about his future. Ashwin has 537 Test wickets, India’s second-most. He’s often been rested or overlooked in non-subcontinental conditions. This could have prompted him to consider stepping away from the longest format.
- Clips of Emotional Farewells: The visuals of Kohli and Ashwin’s chat during the rain break, along with reports of an impending announcement, have sparked fans’ speculation about a legend’s retirement.
The Context: Day 5 of the 3rd Test
India started the final day needing 275 runs to take a 2-1 series lead. Bad light halted play and rain clouds loomed over the Gabba. Only a handful of overs had been bowled before the interruption.
Amid the break, cameras caught Ashwin and Kohli in a deep conversation. The two players, key to India’s Test cricket success for a decade, were later seen hugging. This fueled retirement rumors.
Why Ashwin’s Retirement Seems Likely
There is much debate about Kohli’s form. But, recent trends suggest Ashwin should retire.
- Reduced Role: Ashwin has not been a consistent part of India’s playing XI, particularly in overseas Tests.
- Age and Milestones: At 38, Ashwin has achieved great things. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, with 537 wickets in 106 matches.
- Limited Future Opportunities: Ashwin’s chances in Test cricket are fading. There is a focus on younger talents and a bias for pace bowlers.
If the rumors are true, Ashwin’s retirement would end a glittering, decade-long career.
If Ravichandran Ashwin retires, it will end a true legend of Indian cricket. Ashwin’s skills with the ball and his fighting spirit on the field are extraordinary. Until there is an official word, the cricketing world waits. They are on edge to see if one of India’s “OGs” will say goodbye.
