Thanks guys… Retirement announced 48 hours ago, will R Ashwin go to bat with Kohli in Melbourne?

It has been almost 48 hours since R Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. After the third Test against Australia, Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket. Now Ashwin has promised to bat with Kohli in the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne. After Ashwin’s retirement, many legends wished him for the future. Among them is Virat Kohli, who wrote an emotional note for Ashwin on social media recalling the moment he played with Ashwin for 14 years.

Hours after R Ashwin announced his international retirement following the drawn third Test at the Gabba on Wednesday, Virat Kohli wrote, ‘I have played with you for 14 years. And when you told me today that you were retiring, I got a little emotional. And memories of all the years we played together came flooding back. I have enjoyed every moment of this journey with you.’ Responding to Kohli, Ashwin said, ‘Thank you friend. As I told you, I will come to the MCG to bat with you.

Netizens keep connecting it with Pakistan
However, it was not clear what Ashwin meant. Some netizens believe that the legendary off-spinner was referring to his brief but important partnership in the victory over Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Ashwin joined Kohli on the last two balls to chase India’s 160-run target against Pakistan. India had to score 48 runs in the last three overs of the match in which Kohli put in a strong performance. Both players were undefeated at the end of the game. Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 runs and Ashwin remained unbeaten on one run.

Ashwin-Kohli became emotional
Ashwin was engaged in an emotional exchange with Kohli moments before heading to the post-match press conference with captain Rohit Sharma to announce his retirement at the end of the third Test. Meanwhile, Kohli expressed surprise when top spinner Ashwin was wiping his eyes. At the end of the conversation inside the Indian dressing room, both were seen hugging each other. Ashwin arrived in Chennai on Thursday and was warmly welcomed by his family and friends. During his illustrious career, R Ashwin took a total of 537 wickets and scored 3,503 runs in 106 Test matches, taking 37 five-wicket hauls.