14 Years of Friendship and Cricket as Virat Kohli Pays Tribute to Ashwin’s Legacy

With the end of the Gabba Test, India has lost one of its finest cricketing legends as Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024. Ashwin concluded an illustrious 14-year career that began in 2010, during which he became one of the most successful bowlers in Indian history. Featuring in 287 matches, the Chennai-born spinner claimed 765 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls and 8 ten-wicket match hauls, making him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack, especially under Virat Kohli’s captaincy from 2014 to 2021. Regarding this, Kohli said:

I have 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 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.

Ashwin’s exceptional achievements include being named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and overall Cricketer of the Year in 2016, securing the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. He also held the world’s number-one Test bowler ranking multiple times. Kohli, paying tribute on social media, reflected on their 14-year camaraderie, lauding Ashwin’s match-winning contributions and legendary status. The Brisbane Test, ending in a draw, also leveled the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at 1-1, marking a poignant farewell for the spin maestro.