Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin (Image: X)
Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli after the former India skipper made strong statements about his unwillingness to constantly prove his worth within the Indian squad. Speaking on the official podcast of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli spoke about his current outlook towards international cricket, the team environment and his possible participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup.Kohli explained that while he still enjoys playing cricket and remains open to participating in the 2027 World Cup, he does not want uncertainty or mixed signals surrounding his place in the team.“My point is very clear. If I can add value to the environment I belong to, and the environment feels that I can add value, then I will be seen. If I feel I need to prove my value and value, then I’m not in this business,” Kohli said.“If you go into a workplace and people say they believe in your abilities, and a week later they start questioning the way you work, the question is why?” He said.
Kohli also added that selection decisions should not fluctuate based on short-term results only.He added: “You either tell me on the first day that I’m not good enough or that I’m not needed. But if you say I’m good enough and you don’t think otherwise, then shut up.”Reacting to Kohli’s comments, Ashwin said that the former India captain has already achieved enough in international cricket and no longer needs to prove himself to anyone.
“If Virat Kohli says that he doesn’t need to prove his worth to anyone, then he is right. He has nothing left to prove to anyone. My thought process was also the same. Who do I have to prove anything to? After playing for so many years and winning so many matches for India, who does he still have to prove to?” Ashwin added.
Kohli remains one of the greatest ODI batsmen in the history of cricket, with 14,797 runs in 311 matches at an average of 58.71, including 54 centuries. Although he has already retired from T20Is and Test cricket, the 2027 ODI World Cup is likely to become the final major chapter in his illustrious international career.