Virat Kohli hugs Ravindra Jadeja after his final spell, ignites retirement speculations

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand is underway at the Dubai International Stadium, with high stakes and intense action unfolding. New Zealand won the toss, with stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner opting to bat first, putting the onus on the Indian bowlers to deliver in this crucial encounter.

However, India's bowling attack rose to the occasion, curbing New Zealand’s momentum in the middle overs and restricting the run flow effectively. The Indian spinners didn’t give an inch to the batsmen, making stroke play difficult on a slowing surface.

Kohli Hugging Jadeja Fuels Retirement Talks

One of the most talked-about moments of the match came during the 40th over when Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja finished his spell with remarkable figures of 10-0-30-1. As he wrapped up his final over, Virat Kohli walked up to him and gave him an emotional hug, sparking speculation about Jadeja’s future in international cricket. Given the significance of the final and the intensity of the occasion, the gesture was seen by many as a sign of appreciation for Jadeja’s contributions over the years, possibly hinting at a farewell.

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Jadeja’s Legacy and Retirement Speculation

While there has been no official confirmation about Ravindra Jadeja’s retirement, the emotional moment with Kohli has intensified discussions about his future. Over the years, Jadeja has been a cornerstone of India’s limited-overs setup, excelling as an all-rounder with match-winning spells, game-changing fielding, and crucial runs in pressure situations.

Having played over 300 international matches across formats, Jadeja has amassed more than 5,500 runs and picked up over 500 wickets, making him one of India's finest all-rounders. If this does turn out to be his final ICC event, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, versatility, and remarkable consistency.

For now, the focus remains on the Champions Trophy final, but if this indeed marks the end of Jadeja’s illustrious international career, it will undoubtedly be remembered as a fitting farewell on the grandest stage.