Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid speculation over their future, saying the team management cannot afford to drop the two batting stalwarts if they wish to continue playing. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted their remarkable achievements and unmatched fan following as key reasons behind their importance to Indian cricket.
Ashwin’s remarks come after Rohit Sharma silenced critics with a brilliant 138-run knock in the third ODI against England at Lord’s. The innings came amid reports suggesting the Indian captain was no longer in the selectors’ long-term plans and could announce his retirement. However, the BCCI later dismissed those claims.
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According to Ashwin, Rohit and Virat have earned the right to decide their own future through years of consistent performances. He pointed out that Rohit has scored nearly 12,000 international runs, while both players continue to draw massive crowds wherever India play.
“They cannot touch Virat and Rohit if they want to play because of their credentials,” Ashwin said, adding that dropping either player would create a huge backlash among fans.
The former spinner also praised Rohit’s innings at Lord’s, saying the opener looked in complete control despite the pressure surrounding him. Ashwin felt Rohit could have scored even more had he been in peak rhythm.
He added that Rohit has nothing left to prove to anyone and believes the veteran’s motivation now is to prepare for the upcoming ICC events. Ashwin said the hunger to represent India at another World Cup appears to be driving the captain to continue performing at the highest level.
