Virat Kohli Warned by Ravi Ashwin: Stay on Top of Your Game

Virat Kohli faces a stern warning from Ravi Ashwin, who believes the Indian batsman must stay on top of his game to avoid being dropped from the ODI team.

What happened?

Ravi Ashwin, the former Indian spinner, has expressed his views on the expected retirement of Rohit Sharma from ODI cricket. According to reports, Rohit will play his last game in the ENG vs IND 3rd ODI at The Lord's on July 19.

Why it matters for Virat Kohli

Ashwin warned that if Kohli struggles to perform at his best in the forthcoming months, he might face a similar fate to that of Sharma. "The way this is going, Virat also has to be on top of his game, unfortunately," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

What comes next?

Kohli must perform at his best to stay in the squad for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Ashwin feels that dropping a player is inevitable, but the decision should be communicated properly. He also noted that a big player like Rohit should be asked to leave with dignity and not forcefully.

Rohit's poor performances since the start of 2026 have forced selectors to go ahead with the decision. The management does not want to induct Rohit into the India squad for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.

Kohli scored 65 runs in the ENG vs IND 2nd ODI, while Rohit scored 26 runs in the same match. Ashwin believes that Kohli must stay on top of his game to avoid being dropped from the ODI team.

In an interview, Ashwin said, "Anyone can be dropped - that's the selector, captain, and coach's job. If someone is dropped, there's no problem with that. You can ask, 'What can I do?' If it's not working, then we won't drop you? If it's age, then we won't drop you? My point is, there should be a direct communication channel, done properly."

Ashwin also noted that a big player like Rohit should be asked to leave with dignity and not forcefully. "The problem is that if you look at big corporations, layoffs happen. When someone at a senior level who has contributed a lot to the company is let go, they should have a proper conversation. If someone has performed for two decades for the country, achieved so much, at least talk to them properly, show them the path with dignity," he added.

Ashwin retired from international cricket in November 2024.

The Indian selection committee has decided to move on from Rohit Sharma after the England tour and try youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener for the next two years.

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