Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has advised star batter Virat Kohli to focus on his strengths rather than adopting an overly aggressive style ahead of the ODI series against England. Team India has thrived with an all-out attacking approach in T20Is, securing victory in 28 of their last 31 matches.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been strongly advocating for an aggressive mindset in white-ball cricket. However, Kohli has traditionally played at his own pace, contributing significantly to India’s success in ODIs.
The veteran batter became the first to score 50 ODI centuries during the 2023 World Cup and maintains an impressive average of over 58. Discussing Kohli’s approach in the 50-over format, Ashwin shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel [via Hindustan Times]:
“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.”
He further added:
“It is important to realise 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.”
R Ashwin believes Rohit Sharma will stick to the existing Template
Ravichandran Ashwin expects captain Rohit Sharma to embrace India’s aggressive batting approach, given his similar style of play in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The 37-year-old amassed 597 runs at an impressive average of 54 and a remarkable strike rate of 125.94 during India’s campaign in the tournament.
“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,” said Ashwin (in the aforementioned video).
Since 2022, Rohit’s ODI strike rate has surged to 118.55 from the lower 90s. He aims to lead India to their first ODI ICC trophy since 2013 in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
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