Watch: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma bid emotional farewell to R Ashwin with warm hugs

Emotional R Ashwin hugs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as he announces retirement. (Photo: Star Sports)

During the rain break on Day 5 of the 3rd India vs Australia Test in Brisbane, an emotional moment unfolded in the Indian dressing room, sparking retirement speculations. As players from both sides awaited the resumption of play, Virat Kohli was seen hugging a visibly emotional Ravichandran Ashwin. Later on, the veteran came to the post-match presser to announce his retirement from international cricket with his captain sitting next to him. Ashwin and Rohit Sharma also shared an emotional moment with a hug during the press conference.

Ashwin retires from Test cricket as the second-highest wicket taker for India with 537 wickets behind Anil Kumble (619). He was not part of the series opener in Perth against Australia and had only played the Pink-ball Test in Adelaide, in which he took one wicket. That day-night Test prove to be his final Test for India after he was not selected in the eleven for the game in Brisbane.

AN EMOTIONAL GOODBYE FOR RAVI ASHWIN.- He thanked Rohit, Virat, Rahane, Pujara, coaches and the BCCI. pic.twitter.com/oMPKFUE8sn
Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 18, 2024

Emotional moments from the Indian dressing room #AUSvINDOnStar #BorderGavaskarTrophy #Ashwin #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/92a4NqNsyP Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 18, 2024

"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats in the international level," the 38-year-old told reporters at the Gabba.

"I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that in club level cricket. I had a lot of fun. I must say, I created a lot of memories alongside Rohit (Sharma) and several of my other teammates," he added with the India captain by his side.

Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to Ashwin on social media as well. He praised Ashwin's match-winning performances in Test cricket, describing him as a player who will be "remembered as a legend of Indian cricket."

Taking to social media account X (formerly Twitter) he wrote," 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."

He added, "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."

Ive played with you for 14 years and when you told me today youre retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. Ive 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

Also Read - 'Farewell, GOAT': Fans emotional as R Ashwin announces retirement from Test cricket

Ashwin finishes career as one of the greatest spinners

With immediate effect, Ashwin has retired after playing 14 years of international cricket for India. The 38-year-old spinner left nothing in the tank when it comes to performance as his numbers speak volume.

Ashwin's remarkable tally of 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket is tied for the second-highest in history with Shane Warne, trailing only Muttiah Muralitharan's unparalleled 67. Renowned for his skill in deceiving batters, Ashwin holds the record for the most left-handers dismissed in Test cricket, with an astounding 268 victims. Across all formats, he has amassed 765 international wickets in 287 matches, placing him second among Indian bowlers, behind Anil Kumble's 956. On the global stage, Ashwin ranks 11th on the all-time wicket-takers list.