Former India cricketer R Ashwin has asked Virat Kohli to play as a bridge between Rohit Sharma’s aggressive batting and carrying the innings to the end in the upcoming England ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
This comes after India head coach Gautam Gambhir had said that he was the ODI team to continue being aggressive and entertain the crowd. He expects the same strategy to be used in ODIs as well. Can older players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli afford to play this way? Ravichandran Ashwin certainly believes so.
Ashwin was eager to highlight Rohit Sharma's performances in the 2023 50-over World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. He cited how the Indian captain's dominance at the top set the tone for the team's success in major events.
However, he wants Virat Kohli to stick to his guns and serve as the link between an aggressive style of cricket and some stability. Ashwin also believes no one can stop India if Kohli, 36, finds form in the 50-over format.
"Considering how Rohit played in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, I don't think he would have an issue. The way Rohit has adapted to the changing times and led from the front, I don't think he will take a step back from the template.
It is important to realize Virat would be playing the role Hardik and Rinku played in T20Is. Who will be the bridge between aggressive batting on top and finishing the batting in the latter end? Virat," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat.'
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will come in the England ODI series short on runs and out-of-form. Even their foray into domestic cricket didn’t bring them runs. However, Ashwin believes Virat Kohli should play to his strengths because he is the MVP of the 50-over format.
It is worth noting that Virat Kohli was India's best run-scorer in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the team reached the final.
"Virat has to play to his strengths, and if he regains form, then there is nothing like it for the Indian cricket team. He doesn't have to change his game at all. Honestly, what is the hurry in ODIs? It is important to do what is right by the 50-over format," said Ashwin.
India will play three ODIs against England, beginning February 6 in Nagpur, before focusing their attention on the eight-team Champions Trophy.
India are in Group A alongside New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Rohit Sharma and co will begin their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.