Speaking on Aakash Chopra's podcast, Ravichandran Ashwin shared that he had considered stepping away as early as March 2024 due to chronic knee troubles affecting his batting. Although head coach Gautam Gambhir persuaded him to contest the 2024 home season, a difficult series against New Zealand and being left out of the Perth Test cemented his exit. Ashwin subsequently shared his final decision with Virat Kohli in Brisbane before retiring after that match in December 2024. Kohli himself later retired from the Test format in May 2025.
Key points
Ashwin officially brought his international cricket career to a close following the Brisb…: Ashwin officially brought his international cricket career to a close following the Brisbane Test in December 2024.
The exchange at the Gabba culminated in an emotional reaction and a parting hug between t…: The exchange at the Gabba culminated in an emotional reaction and a parting hug between the two longtime teammates.
Virat Kohli eventually joined Ashwin in Test retirement by formally leaving the format se…: Virat Kohli eventually joined Ashwin in Test retirement by formally leaving the format several months later in May 2025.
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Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about an emotional conversation with
Virat Kohli at the Gabba during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, recalling how the former India captain was left emotional after learning about his decision to retire from international cricket.
The former India off-spinner revealed that the conversation took place on the balcony in Brisbane during a rain interruption. What began as an informal discussion between the two eventually turned into a heartfelt exchange, with Kohli speaking about the future of India's Test team and the challenges surrounding its transition.
Speaking on a podcast with Aakash Chopra,
Ashwin explained that retirement had been on his mind for several months before he finally called time on his career in December 2024.
He disclosed that he had first contemplated the decision as early as March 2024, despite enjoying an excellent run with the ball. However, persistent knee problems were affecting his batting. Head coach Gautam Gambhir subsequently urged him to continue until the end of India's 2024 home season.
The home Test series against New Zealand, in which India suffered a whitewash, proved…
Law enforcement authorities in Punjab have initiated an inquiry following the tragic death of an undergraduate inside campus accommodation. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident at the educational institution to establish the facts. The event has prompted immediate scrutiny from local police officials handling the ongoing probe.
State organizers achieved global recognition by orchestrating a massive cultural display celebrating indigenous heritage. The historic gathering brought together thousands of community members to highlight local customs on an international stage. This official achievement underscores the cultural prominence of the region's traditional festivities.
A new competitive era begins for the home side as they take the pitch for the first time without Cristiano Ronaldo following his international retirement. The squad faces a key test against the visiting Danes at the Braga Municipal Stadium. Supporters will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to the high-profile absence in their campaign.