Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has ignited a lively debate by suggesting that some cricketers intentionally drop the names of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni to grab attention on social media. During a recent review of England’s victory over India in the second ODI on July 18, 2026, on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed concern that the increasing fixation on superstar names is diverting attention from the importance of team success. His comments came while analyzing Joe Root’s impressive unbeaten 99, where he emphasized that team achievements should always take precedence over individual milestones or online fame.
Ashwin pointed out that players need to step out of the shadows of these senior stars, as it can hinder their own development and self-confidence. He acknowledged that while Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma are some of India’s most celebrated figures, as he said, “Few players get importance in Indian cricket. They are big players, but there are other players in the team as well. Some players speak about Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma in the press conferences.
Ravichandran Ashwin Questions Timing of Rohit Sharma’s Reported Exit Talks
Ashwin didn’t hold back when he criticized how the BCCI selectors have been handling Rohit Sharma’s future, especially with all the chatter about the veteran opener’s ODI career. He pointed out that reports suggested Rohit was told he wouldn’t be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin felt that this kind of news should have been shared right after India’s Champions Trophy win in 2025, rather than dragging it out until now. He raised a valid question about why this decision was postponed, especially with the next World Cup just around the corner, as he said, “My problem is with the Indian team itself. We are going to South Africa in September-October, do we need Rohit and Virat? If you ask me, I will want that experience. I know Yashasvi Jaiswal is pushing hard from behind. But as a decision maker, if you ever felt in your mind that these two players are not fit for the 2027 ODI World Cup.”
The former off-spinner acknowledged that Rohit’s recent form in ODIs has taken a hit, with just one fifty-plus score in eight matches throughout 2026. Still, he made a strong case for the value of seasoned players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, particularly with significant tours on the horizon. Ashwin highlighted Rohit’s impressive record of 11,757 runs in 287 ODIs, boasting an average of 48.58, along with a remarkable three ODI double centuries and the highest individual score in ODIs. He emphasized that players who have dedicated nearly two decades to Indian cricket deserve to be treated with respect and given timely updates, likening the situation to how senior professionals are treated in the corporate world.
