Ravichandran Ashwin is confident that the senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can definitely play an aggressive style of cricket, as India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir pushes for an entertaining approach in the ODI cricket.
After India’s dominant 4-1 win in the T20I series against England, Gautam Gambhir made it clear that the Men in Blue would continue aiming for big scores like 250-260 runs in the shorter format of the game, and he expects the same attacking mindset in the ODI cricket as well.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to embrace aggressive brand in ODI Cricket
The India National Cricket Team will face England in a three-match ODI series at home, starting on February 6 in Nagpur, and this will be the final dress rehearsal for them for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will kick off on February 19 in Karachi.
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Well, Ravichandran Ashwin has recalled how Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup set the perfect tone for India’s success. The former Indian off-spinner feels this aggressive style really works for the Indian captain.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’: “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.”
Ashwin wants Virat Kohli to be the anchor amid India’s aggressive strategy in ODIs
However, Ashwin emphasized that Virat Kohli should remain the anchor in the team, providing stability while the others play aggressively in ODI cricket. He believes that if Kohli finds his form in the 50-over format, the India National Cricket Team will be unstoppable.
The former Indian all-rounder added, “It is important to realize 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 on the latter end? Virat.”
Ravichandran Ashwin called Kohli the MVP of the format and urged him to stick to his strengths for India’s success at the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the Men in Blue will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, UAE.
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Virat has to play to his strengths, says Ravichandran Ashwin
He signed off by saying, “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.”
Notably, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both are legends of ODI cricket, and they have impressive records in the format. While Rohit has around 11000 ODI runs to his name till now, Kohli has so far amassed around 14000 runs in the 50-over format.
Both players have been instrumental in India’s success in ODI cricket for the last decade, with Rohit’s explosive batting and Virat’s consistency and ability to anchor the innings and chase down challenging targets making them two of the greatest batters in the format.
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