Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed serious concern about the future of Virat Kohli in the Indian team after the news of Rohit Sharma’s exit. Ashwin warned the 37-year-old batsman that he could face similar treatment from the selection committee if he fails to remain on top of his game.
India will take on England in the third and final ODI of the ongoing series at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19. According to The Indian Express, the team management and selectors informed Rohit that they will move on from him. He scored 37 runs in two ODI matches at an average of 18.50 and strike rate of 54.41.
Ravichandran Ashwin warns Virat Kohli amid speculations about Rohit Sharma’s retirement
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has reportedly informed Rohit Sharma that the BCCI wants to support young opening options like Yashasvi Jaiswal next year. Notably, Rohit had shown good form and fitness before his recent slump in eight matches.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that the place of any veteran player in the team cannot be considered safe. Ashwin said that Virat Kohli will have to be on top of his game to stay in the scheme of things.
“The way it’s going, unfortunately Virat Kohli also has to be on top of his game. He is batting brilliantly. I have never seen Virat bat like this. I would love to have him in the team in South Africa, but he has to be on top. I don’t know, I hope that’s not the case, but seriously, Rohit hasn’t been too bad either.”
They should have proper talks – Ravichandran Ashwin
In May 2025, reports emerged that the team management had decided to drop Rohit Sharma from the Test team, leading to his retirement. Within a few days of Rohit’s decision, Virat Kohli also announced his retirement from Test cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin said that inclusion of young players in place of senior players is part of the change process. However, the veteran spinner stressed that iconic players who have served the country for decades deserve the utmost professional respect.
“Anyone can be dropped – that’s the job of the selectors, the captain and the coach. If someone is dropped, there is no problem. You can ask, ‘What can I do?’ If it’s not working, we won’t leave you? If we get old then we will not leave you? What I am saying is that there should be a direct channel of communication, there should be a proper channel.”
“The problem is that if you look at big corporations, layoffs happen. When someone at a senior level who has contributed a lot to the company is let go, there should be a proper conversation with them. If someone has performed for the country for two decades, achieved so much, then at least talk to them properly, show them the way with respect.”
Virat Kohli will be in action at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 19
Virat Kohli, who missed the last three-match home ODI series due to a hamstring injury, returned for the series against England. The star batsman was out for five in the opening game, but bounced back with 65 off 66 balls in the second ODI in Cardiff.
Kohli has scored 310 runs in his last five ODIs at an impressive average of 62 and a strike rate of 103.33, which includes one century and two half-centuries. The selection pressure is immense as India finalize their plans for the 2027 World Cup in Africa.
Kohli will return to action in the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19. The experienced players will be keen to deliver impressive performances and help India clinch the series win.