R Ashwin retires!! Kohli's emotional hug goes viral on social media

As the 3rd test between India and Australia was halted due to heavy rain in Brisbane, Virat Kohli giving emotional hug to India's second highest wicket-taker in Test - R Ashwin went viral on social media.  The emotional video was followed by speculation of Ashwin's retirement which came true in the after few minutes as the Tamil Nadu spinner joined captain Rohit Sharma for the press conference.  

 

The visuals from the dressing room saw Virat Kohli having a deep conversation with the spinner and then went on to hug him in what seemed to be an emotional moment between the two.   Check India vs Australia 3rd Test full scorecard here

 

 

 

 

KOHLI  ASHWIN...!!!!  - Two greats of Indian cricket hugging during Gabba Test. pic.twitter.com/dPHL5PgBuV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 18, 2024

  He featured in 106 Tests, picked up a whopping 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, and amassed 3,503 runs. One can even argue that his contributions to Indian cricket are far greater than just what those staggering numbers indicate.

 

The crafty spinner is the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Tests overall and second-highest for India behind legendary spinner Anil Kumble (619 scalps). He also has 2nd most five-wicket hauls in Tests, behind Sri Lankan spin icon Muttiah Muralitharan (67).

With Ashwin stepping down from the international stage, he is truly leaving behind a tremendous legacy and massive boots to fill for the youngsters who will come in to make up for his presence.

Coming to India's rescue on many occassions, Ashwin has often come handy with the bat as well. He has amassed 3503 Test runs in 106 matches as well which shows how valuable player he has proven to be for his side over the years.

 

Ravichandran Test stats for India
Span	Mat	Runs	HS	Bat Avg	100s	Wkts	BBI	Bowl Avg	5w	Ct	St	Avg Diff
2011-2024	106	3503	124	25.75	6	537	7/59	24	37	36	0	1.75

 

Ravichandran Ashwin stats for India (Overall)
Span	Mat	Inns	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Avg	Econ	SR	5w	10w
2010-2024	287	379	5833.3	947	19743	765	7/59	13/140	25.8	3.38	45.7	37	8