Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes India’s star duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, need support, space and open communication from the Indian cricket ecosystem to rediscover their best touch in ODIs. Rohit and Virat returned to India in the ODI in Perth, but the much-anticipated comeback failed and the pair were dismissed for eight and a duck respectively.
The match marked their first competitive appearance since the conclusion of Tests earlier this year and their first international match since the ICC Champions Trophy final in March. Rohit managed 8 runs off 14 balls while Virat was dismissed for an eight-ball duck. Persistent rain further hampered India’s innings, making it difficult to post a competitive total as they lost the match by seven wickets.
Taking to his YouTube channel, Ash ki Baat, Ashwin highlighted that Rohit and Virat carry a rich legacy of success in ODIs and T20Is and with the right support from the team management and the cricketing ecosystem, they can continue to perform at the highest level.
“Right now, Rohit-Virat needs support, space and communication. Those three factors are important and it’s crucial for the management and the wider Indian cricket ecosystem to support them and encourage direct and open communication at this time. This has allowed us to see them at their best in ODIs again because they are champions. In the white ball they were both champions, whether it’s T20IDIs behind them. we questioning? They need space, respect and comfort with communication,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin further insisted that Rohit and Kohli should be able to play without pressure and stressed the importance of letting them enjoy their cricket. The 39-year-old noted that while Rohit still has a lot to catch up to in the World Cup at the age of 50, Virat has already achieved everything in the game and the focus should be on using their experience to lead and strengthen the team in the upcoming tournaments.
“Don’t let them feel the pressure at this point. Let them enjoy themselves. Because you have to get the best out of them. They should be relieved of any pressure on them. What is Virat to achieve? He has won everything. There is a World Cup after 50 for Rohit, but not even that for Virat. He has achieved. What is important for other cricketers to make good use of it and make good use of it now? Please use it to win tournaments. It is important to enable them to enjoy cricket,” he added.
India will take on Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday looking to level the series at 1-1 as the hosts look to secure the second ODI to seal the series.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
October 22, 2025
