'I sent him a text' - Virat Kohli reveals the message he sent to Ravi Ashwin after Melbourne Test victory

India skipper Virat Kohli was at home when his teammates were fighting it out against Australia in the last three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series. The batting star had returned home after the first Test in Adelaide to attend the birth of his first child. But sitting miles away from the action did not stop Kohli from following the series closely.

The 32-year old was constantly in touch with his teammates, motivating them and advising them. And Kohli recently revealed the text message he gave to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after the second Test in Melbourne. Ashwin had played a huge rule in India’s series-leveling eight-wicket win at the MCG. He picked up 5 wickets and more importantly dismissed Steve Smith for a duck in the first innings.

Virat Kohli’s message for Ravi Ashwin

In his message, Virat Kohli lauded Ashwin for his bowling in Melbourne, telling him ‘this is the best I have seen you bowl overseas. The India batting mainstay also pointed out Ashwin’s abilities with the bat. Revealing a chat with the spinner that took place before the Test series, Kohli said both of them discussed that Ashwin had a lot to offer with the bat as well.

“Well, he is one of the most vital parts of this team. After Melbourne, I sent him a text that this is the best I have seen you bowl overseas ever. I remember we had a conversation in Adelaide as well, I said people do not remember these small moments. In the first innings where Saha and Ash came out not out, Ash’s intent was something that stood out for me,” Virat Kohli told Star Sports.

“He had a conversation with us in the nets about his batting. We both said ‘you have so much more to provide for this team with the bat. That was one of your strengths. When we looked at you, we always felt like 30-35 guaranteed every innings’. If he gets going, he will score a crucial 70-80′. So, suddenly you saw his body language. It was like ‘Hold on, this is my time, my tour now with the bat and with the ball’,” he added.

Ashwin did play a big part with both bat and ball to help India come from behind and win the series in Australia. The spin spearhead picked up 12 wickets in 3 Tests and came up with a heroic effort with the bat in Sydney to help India draw the Test.