The cricket community is full of speculation that Ravichandran Ashwinone of India’s most cerebral and successful spinners, may be nearing the end of his illustrious career. This speculation has been fueled by a shocking moment captured during the fifth day of the Gabba Test match where Ashwin was seen hugging Virat Kohli in what many fans are interpreting as a possible farewell gesture.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli’s viral hug
A picture of Ashwin and Kohli sharing a hearty hug in the dressing room has gone viral on social media platforms. The picture, which shows Ashwin with an emotional expression, led fans to believe that this could be the prelude to his retirement announcement. The scene was full of emotion, with some fans noting that Ashwin appeared to be crying, suggesting the end may be near for the off-spinner.
An emotional hug between Ashwin and Kohli. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/eyzCLUTucS
— Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 18, 2024
Fans are speculating about Ashwin’s exit
Social media has been flooded with posts from fans expressing their belief that Ashwin’s time on the field may be coming to an end. Many fans proactively celebrate Ashwin’s career, sharing highlights of his best bowling spells, match-winning performances and his unique contribution to the art of spin bowling. There is a palpable sense of nostalgia and gratitude for what has been an extraordinary journey.
While there is no official word from Ashwin himself, speculations are based on the emotional context of the picture and the timing, right after an important Test match. Fans are hoping for a proper farewell if this is indeed the end, with many suggesting that Chepauk, his home ground, would be the appropriate venue for such an occasion.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Ashwin deserved a proper farewell.
This is the most significant player retirement after Sachin.— Viroot (@topgun_mav11) December 18, 2024
Farewell Ashwin Anna, the roads will never forget how you won us this much awaited match against Pakistan ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/cK1ytjGwqG
— Dev 🇮🇳 (@time__square) December 18, 2024
VIRT KOHLI HUGS RAVI ASWIN AT VALMENI. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/ecoa31qXiA
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 18, 2024
Ashwin retires today? pic.twitter.com/XzCMrWAEeM
— Avinash (@avieeee__) December 18, 2024
Virat and Ashwin have a heart to heart conversation for about 30 minutes now after a hug from Kohli to Ash. What’s going on 🫥 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8xd0Tr5G8T
— « (@KohlifiedGal) December 18, 2024
THE EMOTIONAL HUG FROM VIRAT KOHLI TO RAVI ASHWIN AT THE GABBA. 🥺💔 pic.twitter.com/XRX8FatKno
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 18, 2024
Oh man why is it so sad 😭.
Nice post ashwin pic.twitter.com/ckH7vigPL2— Kruger | (@Aryanexists) December 18, 2024
Ashwin retirement ??? pic.twitter.com/2IZAKwJ3uv
— Kohlizzzzz (@Yemen__2545) December 18, 2024
R Ashwin was the huge reason why no one could win a series in India for many 12 years, he is India’s all time best spinner in tests by far❤️🐐
Thank you @ashwinravi99 for everything ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MrdsEb184R
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) December 18, 2024
End of the Ashwin era 🥲#WhistlePodu | #AUSWIND pic.twitter.com/oz8aI9X9pc
— CSK Fans Army™ (@CSKFansArmy) December 18, 2024
537 wickets and 6 centuries in Test cricket. One of our biggest winners. Thanks Ashwin 🫡 https://t.co/TFtwnf1PQb pic.twitter.com/qnjxybrl0q
— Arjun* (@mxtaverse) December 18, 2024
Thanks ravichandran ashwin, you are a legend 🙏 nice post #ashwin #INDvsAUS things change very early in cricket, Not long ago he became the no. 1 all rounder in test cricket and today is the day , An emotional moment indeed #ravichandranashwin pic.twitter.com/cZSJ2axm1Q
— mayank yadav (@mayankydvvvv) December 18, 2024
So it is Ravichandran Ashwin who retires. Thank you Ash Anna for a wonderful career. ❤️🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/tuRJZE0osw
— Aryan (@264Mbps) December 18, 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin also deserves a retirement like this.
But he’s a bowler, let it be💔 pic.twitter.com/E16m4tWT3D
— Vɪᴘᴇʀ⁶5 (@repivxx65_) December 18, 2024
Kohli may be retiring. Ashwin Anna so humble, cries for his teammate’s departure. 🥺👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/TFeHHvzUea
— k♡ (@sarphiribalika_) December 18, 2024
So Ashwin can announce his retirement today..
But this guy hugged him on purpose in front of the camera.. bro, let him have his moment. pic.twitter.com/qtXArntwTj
— 𝑗𝗔𝗠🦇 (@Vitamin_is_back) December 18, 2024