A hug with Virat Kohli sets off Ravindra Jadeja retirement speculations

It seems the conclusion of the India vs New Zealand final is set to weigh heavily on the hearts of Indian fans. Rumors were rife about some high-profile retirements looming around the corner as the Men in Blue prepared for the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. While those about Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma swirl without a ground, the one concerning Ravindra Jadeja appears to hold weight. After the all-rounder completed his 10-over spell in the first innings of the final, Virat Kohli was seen embracing Jadeja. Drawing parallels to Kohli’s well-known hugs, such as his emotional moment with Ravi Ashwin during the BGT and, more recently, with Steve Smith after the India vs Australia semi-final, netizens have taken this as a possible hint at Jadeja’s retirement.

Ravindra Jadeja retirement update grows substantial after Virat Kohli hugs the all-rounder during the India vs New Zealand final

Indian cricket fans went into a frenzy on social media after Virat Kohli was spotted walking up to Ravindra Jadeja. The batter gave him a heartfelt hug at the end of his ten-over spell in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Jadeja had a stellar outing with the ball, conceding just 30 runs in his quota of 10 overs and dismissing Tom Latham for 14 (30). While such gestures of appreciation among teammates are common, the moment sparked intense speculation, as the 36-year-old all-rounder is rumored to be nearing the end of his international career.

Virat Kohli hugged Ravindra Jadeja after Jadeja bowled his spell. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gznlREq52U

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 9, 2025

Jadeja had already retired from T20Is following India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in Barbados, alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With India missing out on a spot in this year’s World Test Championship final and the next ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027, questions about his future have only grown louder.

Similar speculation surrounds Rohit, 37, and Kohli, 36, with reports suggesting that Rohit will discuss his future plans with chief selector Ajit Agarkar once the tournament concludes. If this turns out to be Jadeja’s final ODI appearance, he would retire as India’s highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history, with 21 scalps at an average of 27.90, making him the joint fifth-best overall in the tournament’s history.