The cricket community is abuzz with speculation that Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most cerebral and successful spinners, might be nearing the end of his illustrious career. This speculation has been fueled by a poignant moment captured during the fifth day of the Gabba Test match, where Ashwin was seen embracing Virat Kohli in what many fans interpret as a potential farewell gesture.
The viral hug of Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli
A photograph of Ashwin and Kohli sharing a heartfelt hug in the dressing room has gone viral on social media platforms. The image, showing Ashwin with an emotional expression, has led fans to believe that this could be the prelude to his retirement announcement. The scene was charged with emotion, with some fans noting that Ashwin appeared to be in tears, suggesting an end might be near for the off-spinner.
An emotional hug between Ashwin & Kohli. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/eyzCLUTucS
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 18, 2024
Fans speculate Ashwin retirement
Social media has been flooded with posts from fans expressing their belief that Ashwin’s time on the field could be drawing to a close. Many fans are preemptively celebrating Ashwin’s career, sharing highlights of his best bowling spells, match-winning performances, and his unique contributions to the art of spin bowling. There’s a palpable sense of nostalgia and gratitude for what has been an extraordinary journey.
While there’s no official word from Ashwin himself, the speculation is based on the emotional context of the picture and the timing, right after a significant Test match. Fans are hopeful for a proper farewell if this is indeed the end, with many suggesting that Chepauk, his home ground, would be the fitting venue for such an occasion.
Also READ: Australia declares their 2nd innings for 89/7, sets India a 275-run target in Gabba Test
Here is how fans reacted:
Ashwin deserved a proper farewell.
This is most significant retirement of player after Sachin.— Viroot (@topgun_mav11) December 18, 2024
Happy retirement Ashwin anna , streets will never forget how you won us this much anticipated match against Pakistan ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/cK1ytjGwqG
— Dev 🇮🇳 (@time__square) December 18, 2024
VIRAT KOHLI HUGGING RAVI ASHWIN IN THE DRESSING ROOM. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/ecoa31qXiA
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 18, 2024
Ashwin taking retirement today?? pic.twitter.com/XzCMrWAEeM
— Avinash (@avieeee__) December 18, 2024
Virat and Ashwin are having a heartful conversation for about 30 minutes now following a hug from Kohli to Ash . What’s happening 🫥 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8xd0Tr5G8T
— “ (@KohlifiedGal) December 18, 2024
THE EMOTIONAL HUG FROM VIRAT KOHLI TO RAVI ASHWIN AT GABBA. 🥺💔 pic.twitter.com/XRX8FatKno
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 18, 2024
Man why this is so sad😭.
Happy retirement ashwin pic.twitter.com/ckH7vigPL2— Kruger | (@Aryanexists) December 18, 2024
Ashwin retirement ??? pic.twitter.com/2IZAKwJ3uv
— Kohlizzzzz (@Yaman__2545) December 18, 2024
R Ashwin was the huge reason why no one could win a series in India for long 12 years, he is India’s all time greatest spinner in tests by far❤️🐐
Thank You @ashwinravi99 for everything ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MrdsEb184R
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) December 18, 2024
End of Ashwin Era 🥲#WhistlePodu | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/oz8aI9X9pc
— CSK Fans Army™ (@CSKFansArmy) December 18, 2024
537 wickets and 6 centuries in Test cricket. One of our greatest matchwinners. Thank you Ashwin 🫡 https://t.co/TFtwnf1PQb pic.twitter.com/qnjxybrl0q
— Arjun* (@mxtaverse) December 18, 2024
Thank you ravichandran ashwin , you’re a legend 🙏 happy retirement #ashwin #INDvsAUS , things change very early in cricket,No time ago he became no.1 allrounder in test cricket and today is the day , Really a emotional moment #ravichandranashwin pic.twitter.com/cZSJ2axm1Q
— mayank yadav (@mayankydvvvv) December 18, 2024
So it’s Ravichandran Ashwin who is retiring. Thank you Ash anna for wonderful career. ❤️🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/tuRJZE0osw
— Aryan (@264Mbps) December 18, 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin too deserves retirement like this.
But He is a bowler,leave it💔 pic.twitter.com/E16m4tWT3D
— Vɪᴘᴇʀ⁶⁵ (@repivxx65_) December 18, 2024
Kohli might be retiring; Ashwin Anna so humble, is crying over his teammate’s retirement. 🥺👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/TFeHHvzUea
— k♡ (@sarphiribalika_) December 18, 2024
So Ashwin might announce his retirement today..
But this guy intentionally gave him hug infront of camera’s.. bro let him have his moment..why u have to sneak yourself in every f*cking thing ! pic.twitter.com/qtXArntwTj
— 𝗦𝗔𝗠🦇 (@Vitamin_is_back) December 18, 2024
Also READ: 3 ways how Virat Kohli can regain his prime form in Test cricket
