Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli only play ODIs for India as of now.
Former India cricketer R Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s recent performances for the Indian team and also stated that the two legends do not need to prove themselves to anyone.
This came after Rohit Sharma earned the Player of the Series in Australia ODIs, scoring 8, 73, and 121*, and made two half-centuries in the recent South Africa ODI series. On the other hand, Kohli, who had scored 0, 0, and 74* in Australia, roared back to form with two centuries and one fifty in a Player of the Series performance against the Proteas.
Since the duo announced their Test retirements, the future of Rohit and Kohli has been hotly disputed, with no one from the present management providing a firm response about their chances of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
However, Rohit and Virat are not leaving anything to chance, as the duo will now compete in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai and Delhi, respectively.
Ashwin praised the duo's commitment, stating they continue to make sacrifices to further their international careers, which is a fantastic lesson for other young and aspiring cricketers.
“The fact that Rohit has worked on it (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 it is itself a laughable thing. What do they need to prove? Obviously, it is all messaging. In such long careers, we have all ups and downs; we all have good and bad times,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin also remarked that the sacrifices need to be made as, at the end of the day, the game is always bigger than anyone else.
“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 generations 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.
Virat and Rohit will now be seen in India colors in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning January 11.