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 particularly disappointing for Ashwin. He felt he was no longer able to deliver match-winning performances for the team. His decision became firmer after he was left out of India's playing XI for the opening Test against Australia in Perth.
When an opportunity arose during the Brisbane Test, Ashwin found himself alone with Kohli during a rain break and decided to share his thoughts. “In that game, I didn’t go there to tell Virat and it was raining; I sat with him only because he was sitting alone," Ashwin remembered. Ashwin also reflected on how his relationship with Kohli had evolved over the years. The two had experienced differences in the past, but the former spinner said their equation improved following the COVID break. During their conversation at the Gabba, Kohli began discussing his own batting, the state of the Indian Test side and the challenges ahead during a period of transition.
“My relationship with Virat improved after the COVID break. I realized that if there were any disappointments in my mind, it wasn’t his fault. I tried to speak to him about that; I was forthcoming. I had nothing selfish to to say. But he started speaking his mind: what he was thinking about his batting, how he looked at the Indian Test team, what it needed in a transition. He was talking like a leader, how there were these basic problems in the team and so on. I listened."
The conversation took an unexpected turn when Kohli sought Ashwin's opinion on the team's future. Ashwin encouraged him to continue leading the side, pointing towards his fitness and ability to make a difference. However, he then revealed that he had already made up his mind to walk away from international cricket. “I said ‘You can definitely do it, you’re fit. Maybe it’s a question of discipline, tactics, but you can.’ I told him that my opinion doesn’t matter, because I’m leaving. He said, ‘What are you saying?’ I said I’m retiring today. He actually got emotional. He asked how I decided and if it was instinctive; I said it just happened. I told him I enjoyed playing alongside him."
Ashwin further recalled telling Kohli how much he valued his contributions to Indian cricket, both as captain and as a fielder. Despite representing the same team, the two had often been competitive about their respective contributions, but the spinner wanted to acknowledge the respect he had for his former teammate.
“I told him that, ‘I haven’t told you this much, but I valued your contribution as captain and as a fielder. I’m extremely blessed to have shared the dressing room with you people. You are one of the greats.’ Then we hugged." Ashwin announced his retirement after the Brisbane Test, bringing an end to a distinguished international career. Kohli, too, stepped away from Test cricket a few months later, announcing his retirement in May 2025.
