Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has shed light on Virat Kohli’s future in the ODI format amid the series against the West Indies. Ahead of the series against the Caribbean nation, Kohli revealed the 2027 ODI World Cup would be his last for India.
The talisman scored a stunning knock of 139 runs off just 88 balls in the run-chase of 296 against the Windies on Sunday in the run-chase of 296. This was Kohli’s 55th ODI century and his 86th International hundred.
Ashwin reckons Kohli is going to stick with his words about his future but it would be great if he can get to 100 International centuries by the end of ODI World Cup 2027.
“As a well-wisher, I really want that he hangs up his boots, as he has committed that the 2027 World Cup is his last and his chances of playing are low after that. I am not surprised at all. Keeping this fitness and batting form takes a lot of effort, and I am sure that, behind closed doors, he is doing a lot of work. Maybe he doesn’t want to do it. Even if he wants to play after the World Cup, it does not make any practical sense. Logically, it is possible. But if he really does this, I will take my hat out and it will be a remarkable achievement. If he can do it, I will say both he and Sachin are on the same level without a shadow of a doubt,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
Ashwin further played down comparisons between Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar as rules and conditions were totally different, stating the former would be a great number three batter irrespective of the era he played in.
“I will stick my neck out and say this comparison is wrong on many quadrants. When Virat has played, the rules and situations have changed. When Sachin was playing white-ball for India, the ball was different. For me, the comparison will always be wrong, no matter how many stats or records you keep in front of me. The comparison should not happen at all. I will always pick Sachin. It is not Kohli’s fault. If Kohli had played at No.3 in any generation for India, he would have been a champion player, I have no doubts. To compare people of two generations is absolutely sinister.”
The second ODI between India and the West Indies will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday.
