"Virat Kohli Has To Play To His Strengths”- Ravi Ashwin says Rohit Sharma. Won’t Back Down From Aggressive Ways
Published - 04 Feb 2025, 11:11 PM | Updated - 20 Feb 2025, 11:34 PM
Ravichandran Ashwin is optimistic that senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can play aggressive cricket, while Indian Team head coach Gautam Gambhir promotes an exciting approach to ODI cricket.
Following India's emphatic 4-1 win over England in the T20I series, Gautam Gambhir stated that the Men in Blue will continue to aim for huge scores of 250-260 runs in the shorter version of the game, and he expects the same attacking mindset in ODI cricket as well.
The Indian team will meet England in a three-match ODI series at home, beginning on February 6 in Nagpur, and this will serve as their final dress rehearsal for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on February 19 in Karachi.
‘Rohit Sharma won’t back down from aggressive template: Ravi Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin has recalled Rohit Sharma's aggressive approach in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup, which set the tone for India's success. The former Indian off-spinner believes the Indian captain's aggressive style suits him well.
“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,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat.’.
Ashwin underlined that Virat Kohli should be the team's anchor, giving stability while the others play aggressively in ODIs. He believes that if Kohli can regain his form in the 50-over format, the Indian team will be unstoppable.
“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 on the latter end? Virat,” Ashwin added.
Virat Kohli has to play to his strengths: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin dubbed Kohli the MVP of the format and advised him to focus on his talents for India's success at the next ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the Men in Blue will face Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, UAE.
“Virat Kohli 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,” Ashwin concluded.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are ODI cricket legends with amazing records. While Rohit has over 11000 ODI runs, Kohli has around 14000 in the 50-over format. Rohit has over 30 centuries in the format, while Kohli is the only one with 50 tons in ODIs.
