Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have nothing left to prove to anyone after their incredible services to the country throughout their stellar careers. Instead, the 39-year-old believes that the dedication they are demonstrating even now should provide “massive learning” for young people who want to represent the Men in Blue.
Kohli and Rohit have been in fantastic form of late. While Kohli was recently named Player of the Series against South Africa, Rohit won the same honour earlier this year against Australia. However, despite their outstanding accomplishments in ODI cricket, there are reservations over their participation in the forthcoming 50-over World Cup 2027.
This is because it is still unclear whether the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir consider the senior duo as part of India’s long-term ODI ambitions.
“The fact that Rohit has worked on his fitness and come back, so props to him. 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.
Ashwin added that sacrifices are a must for players who want to stay relevant at the highest level of the sport.
“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 said.
Kohli and Rohit will return to action in January during India’s three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand.
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