Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about his emotional conversation with Virat Kohli at the Gabba in Brisbane during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, revealing how the former India captain reacted to his retirement decision. Ashwin recalled that Kohli was discussing the future of the Indian Test team and speaking like a leader when he revealed that he was about to call time on his international career. The former India spinner shared the details during an appearance on the podcast Baith & Bol with Aakash Chopra.

Ashwin explained that he had first considered retirement in March 2024, despite bowling exceptionally well at the time. However, persistent knee problems made batting increasingly difficult. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had reportedly asked him to continue through India’s 2024 home season. However, the 0-3 Test series whitewash against New Zealand left Ashwin disappointed, as 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. Ashwin eventually chose the rain break during the third Test at the Gabba to share the news with Kohli. “In that game, I didn’t go there to tell Virat—it was raining; I sat with him only because he was sitting alone,” Ashwin recalled.

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The conversation initially revolved around their relationship and the differences they had experienced over the years. Ashwin said their bond had improved significantly after the COVID break and that he had made an effort to address any misunderstandings.

“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.”

🔴ASHWIN REVEALS WHAT HE TOLD VIRAT KOHLI BEFORE RETIREMENT🤯

🎙️: Ashwin revealed that he had discussed his retirement plans with Virat Kohli. Despite reaching 500 Test wickets, he was unsure how long he should continue playing. Completing 100 Test matches was his dream, but fitness and bowling challenges made things difficult. [Baith & bol Aakash Chopra]

— Sam (@cricsam02) November 13, 2026

Ashwin then revealed his retirement plans when Kohli asked for his views on the team’s future. He encouraged Kohli to continue leading the side, highlighting his fitness and ability to contribute.

“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.”

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Ashwin also acknowledged that although they were teammates, both players were highly competitive and often measured their contributions to the team.

He remembered thanking Virat Kohli for his leadership and contribution as a fielder, before the two shared an emotional hug. “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 Gabba Test in December 2024. Kohli followed him into retirement from Test cricket in May 2025.