Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin became emotional in the dressing room after a heartfelt hug from his teammate Virat Kohli on the fifth day of the third Test against Australia.
The two sat together as rain poured outside, sharing a long conversation before Kohli embraced Ashwin in a touching display of camaraderie.
The match had earlier been interrupted by bad light and heavy rain, which led to the third Test being called off with India facing a 275-run target.
The final moments of the game saw India at 8/0, and with the weather worsening, the match was officially abandoned, resulting in honours shared between the two teams.
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Kohli-Ashwin emotional video emerged hours before the Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's most accomplished off-spinners, announced his retirement from international cricket.
The 38-year-old, revered for his match-winning spells and spin wizardry, ends a 13-year-long career, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Ashwin’s decision through a post on social media, praising his contributions to the sport. "Thank You Ashwin. A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation. Congratulations on a legendary career," read the statement.
Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets in 106 matches, only behind Anil Kumble’s 619. Across all formats, the spinner claimed 775 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests.
He also holds the record for the fastest player globally to reach 350 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in just 66 matches.
In a press conference, he said, "Today is my last day as an international cricketer." His retirement follows speculation triggered by a viral video of former captain Virat Kohli embracing him warmly after the match.
Debuting in 2010, Ashwin played a pivotal role in India's dominance in home Tests, forming a formidable spin partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. His ability to innovate and adapt made him a critical figure in India’s red-ball success.
