Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir pay emotional tributes to Ravichandran Ashwin after retirement: ‘We’ll miss you’
Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting icon Virat Kohli paid emotional tributes to Ravichandran Ashwin, as the legendary off-spinner marked the moment of the his illustrious international career. Ashwin ended his career as India’s second highest wicket-taker in Tests.
After his announcement, Virat Kohli took to his social media to write an emotional post for Ravichandran Ashwin, remembering their 14 years playing together. Kohli praised Ashwin’s unmatched skills and contributions to Indian cricket, calling him a true legend.
Virat Kohli pays emotional tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin after his retirement from international cricket
Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli wished Ashwin all the best for his future with his family and expressed immense respect and gratitude for their journey together at the highest level. The right-handed batsman also mentioned that Ashwin, who spearheaded India’s spin attack under Kohli’s captaincy, will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.
Taking to X, Virat Kohli posted, “I played with you for 14 years, and when you told me today that you were retiring, I got a little emotional and flashbacks of all those years playing together. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you, Ash. Your skills and winning contributions to Indian cricket are unmatched, and you will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket. I wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything that develops you. With great respect and much love to you and your loved ones. Thanks for everything mate. ❤️🇮🇳 @ashwinravi99.”
I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today that you were retiring, I got a little emotional and had flashbacks of all those years playing together. Enjoyed every bit of the journey with you Ash, your skill and match winning contributions in India…. pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024
Gautam Gambhir calls Ravichandran Ashwin an inspiration for future generations of bowlers
Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir heaped praise on Ravichandran Ashwin, saying it was a privilege to witness his journey from a young bowler to a modern cricket legend. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir also believes that upcoming bowlers will look to Ashwin for inspiration and said that he will be sorely missed.
Gautam Gambhir posted on X: “The privilege of watching you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know generations of bowlers to come will say I became a bowler thanks Ashwin! You will be missed bro! ❤️ @ashwinravi99”
The privilege of watching you grow from a young bowler to a modern cricket legend is something I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know generations of bowlers to come will say I became a bowler because of Ashwin! You will be missed bro! ❤️ @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/fuATAjE8aw
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 18, 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin’s International Career in Brief
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin has been a key figure in India’s spin attack for years, providing stability and strength to the team. He ended his Test career with 537 wickets at an average of 24 from 106 Test matches, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker and seventh overall. Apart from being a wicket taker, he was also a useful batsman in the lower order.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Tagged Villain Behind Ravichandran Ashwin’s Shock Retirement
Ashwin scored 3,503 runs in Test cricket, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries, making him one of only 11 all-rounders in history to score more than 3,000 runs and take more than 300 wickets in Tests. He also holds the record for 11 Player of the Series awards, tied with Muthiah Muralidaran.
Ashwin’s international career began in 2010 and he was part of India’s World Cup winning team 2011. He also played 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, taking 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 wickets in T20Is. However, the Tamil Nadu spinner has not played white-ball cricket for India since October 2023, when he last featured in an ODI World Cup 2023 match against Australia in Chennai.
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