Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir pay emotional tributes to Ravichandran Ashwin post-retirement: "U will be missed"

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting icon Virat Kohli paid an emotional tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin as the legendary off-spinner called time on his illustrious international career. Ashwin finished his career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests.

After his announcement, Virat Kohli took to his social media handles to pen down an emotional post for Ravichandran Ashwin, recalling their 14 years of 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

The former Indian skipper Virat Kohli wished Ashwin 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 batter also mentioned that Ashwin, who was leader of India's spin attack under Kohli's captaincy, will always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.

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Taking to X, Virat Kohli posted: “I’ve 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 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. ❤️🇮🇳 @ashwinravi99.”

I’ve 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… 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 praised Ravichandran Ashwin, saying it was a privilege to witness his journey from a young bowler to a modern cricket legend. The Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir also believes that the future bowlers will look up to Ashwin for inspiration and said he will be deeply missed.

Gautam Gambhir posted on X: “The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler because of Ashwin! You will be missed, brother! ❤️ @ashwinravi99”

The privilege of seeing you grow from a young bowler to a legend of modern cricket is something that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I know that generations of bowlers to come will say that I became a bowler coz of Ashwin! U will be missed brother! ❤️ @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 finished his Test career with 537 wickets at an average of 24 from 106 Test matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for India and the seventh overall. Apart from being a wicket taker, he was also a handy batter at the lower order.

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Ashwin scored 3503 runs in Test cricket, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries, making him one of only 11 allrounders in history to score over 3000 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 2011 World Cup-winning team. He also played 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, taking 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 wickets in T20Is. However, the Tamil Nadu spinner hasn't played white-ball cricket for India since October 2023, when he last featured in an ODI World Cup 2023 match against Australia in Chennai.