Ravi Ashwin believes that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still have more to give, and their eventual retirements will create a significant void in the Indian cricket team.
In a recent episode of his YouTube show "Ash Ki Bath," he discussed various topics, including the potential retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and India's future, and made some blunt remarks about Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.
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Ashwin Surprised by Rohit and Kohli’s Simultaneous Retirement
Ashwin expressed surprise that Kohli and Sharma would choose to announce their retirements at the same time. He emphasized that Rohit should have played in the England series, particularly for the sake of leadership. If he had managed to score runs, he could have continued to lead the team, he explained.
He pointed out that Test cricket has been the finest format for India over the past 10 to 12 years, and he expected both Rohit and Kohli to continue playing until the England tour.
"Tests have been the finest format for India in the last 10-12 years. Just for the sake of leadership, Rohit should have played until the England series. If he had performed, he could have carried on and provided additional leadership," Ashwin remarked.
Regarding Virat Kohli, Ashwin expressed his dissatisfaction with Kohli's retirement, noting that India would miss his energy on the field, as well as Rohit Sharma's composure.
"Their retirements will definitely create a leadership vacuum. You can't buy experience, especially on tours like this. Virat's energy and Rohit's composure will be missed," he said.
When discussing captaincy preferences, Ashwin indicated that he would like Jasprit Bumrah to lead the team. However, he acknowledged that the selectors' decision is final. He commented,
"The Gautam Gambhir era has truly begun," referencing Shubman Gill’s appointment as captain and the rumors surrounding it. Ashwin added that this will be a testing time for the Indian Test team.
"The team that tours England will be completely new, a transformed team where Bumrah will probably be the senior-most player. He is certainly one of the options for captaincy; I think he deserves it, but the selectors will make a decision based on his physical condition," he concluded.
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