R. Ashwin Slams Doubts Over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Calls Criticism “Laughable”

Ashwin said Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still work hard and set high standards. He believes it is silly that they are expected to prove themselves again.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opined that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli do not need to validate their careers any further. He pointed to their recent form as proof of their continued commitment. Kohli earned the Player of the Series award against South Africa and Rohit won the same earlier in the year against Australia.

Ashwin said their discipline and fitness standards offer important lessons for young players. He also noted the ongoing debate about their roles in India’s ODI plans for the 2027 World Cup, dismissing it as ‘laughable’.

“The fact that Rohit has worked on his fitness and come back, so props to him; and the fact that Virat is batting as well as he is also shows the kind of work both of them have put in. The fact that both of them have to prove is itself a laughable thing. What do they need to prove? Obviously, it is all messaging. In such long careers, we all have ups and downs,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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“So these things will keep happening. But they don’t have to prove anything to anyone. It is actually an example for all the next generation of players coming through. Showing that you need to make sacrifices and demonstrate commitment to the game if you want to have such lengthy careers. The game is bigger than anyone else,” he added.

Kohli and Rohit are set to return in January for India’s three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand. Before that, both senior batters are expected to feature in domestic cricket to stay match-ready.