“Cannot touch them”: Ravichandran Ashwin says selectors should not force out Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Ravichandran Ashwin Backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Calls Them Untouchable
Former India World Cup winner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his strong support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, declaring that they are “impossible” to be dropped from the team after their outstanding performances in the recent ODI series against England. Ashwin emphasized that no one can come close to the two stalwarts of Indian Cricket.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Shine in Final ODI
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma showcased their brilliance in the third and final ODI against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground last Sunday. Despite their exceptional performances, India could not secure a victory in the match. Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, expressed his confidence in Kohli and Sharma’s abilities to continue playing for India in the ODI format.
Ashwin’s Bold Statement
According to Ashwin, “They cannot touch both Virat and Rohit if they want to play. They have the credentials. They have scored runs. They are both batters, and they cannot touch them. If they touch them, if you look at the news of Rohit’s potential retirement, it was not outside noise. If there’s no fire, there would be no smoke.”
Rohit Sharma’s Resilience
Ashwin highlighted the retirement speculations surrounding Rohit Sharma before the Lord’s game, emphasizing that Rohit answered his critics with a stellar performance. Rohit’s remarkable century at Lord’s shattered records and silenced doubts about his place in the team, making him the first Indian batter to score a hundred at Lord’s and the non-English player with the most centuries in England. Virat Kohli also contributed significantly with a knock of 74 runs.
Untouchable Duo
Ashwin reiterated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are untouchable due to their batting prowess and fan following. He stated, “They cannot touch both Rohit and Virat because they are batters. They have an army and a battalion. People come to watch them. If you show them the door, it will break the roof down.”
Raising Voices for Bowlers
Ashwin pointed out that while the omission of bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar may not receive as much attention, dropping Rohit and Virat would spark uproar among fans. He emphasized the difficulty in making such decisions and highlighted the importance of recognizing the value and impact of all players in the squad.
Ashwin’s Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Ashwin affirmed that dropping Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is unthinkable due to their contributions to Indian Cricket and their irreplaceable presence in the team. He stressed the need to prioritize consistency and performance while making selection choices, ultimately aiming to strengthen the team’s overall performance and success.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Dominance Continues
Following their stellar performances in the ODI series against England, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to showcase their dominance in the world of cricket. Kohli, known for his consistency and aggression, has been a pillar of strength for the Indian team for several years. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma, with his elegant stroke play and ability to convert starts into big scores, has established himself as one of the premier opening batsmen in the world.
It is not just their individual performances that make Kohli and Sharma indispensable to the Indian team, but also their partnership on the field. The duo has formed a formidable opening combination, often laying a solid foundation for the middle order to capitalize on. Their understanding of each other’s game and ability to rotate strike seamlessly have been crucial in India’s success in limited-overs cricket.
Impact Beyond Numbers
While statistics can capture part of Kohli and Sharma’s impact, their influence goes beyond mere numbers. Their presence in the team instills confidence in the younger players and brings a sense of reassurance to the entire squad. Kohli’s aggressive leadership and Sharma’s calm demeanor complement each other, creating a harmonious balance within the team.
Off the field, both Kohli and Sharma are ambassadors for the sport, inspiring millions of fans with their work ethic, passion for the game, and philanthropic efforts. Their dedication to fitness and commitment to excellence serve as a model for aspiring cricketers around the world.
Challenges in Team Selection
As Ashwin rightly pointed out, the decision to drop players of the caliber of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is not just about their individual performances but also about the larger impact on team dynamics. While there may be other talented players waiting in the wings, the void left by Kohli and Sharma’s absence would be challenging to fill.
Selectors often face the dilemma of balancing experience with youth, skill with potential, and individual brilliance with team cohesion. The longevity and consistency of Kohli and Sharma’s careers make them invaluable assets to the team, providing stability in times of uncertainty and leadership in moments of crisis.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares for upcoming series and tournaments, the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be crucial in navigating the challenges that lie ahead. Their experience, skill, and leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team towards success on the global stage.
While the debate around team selection will continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are indeed untouchable in the world of Indian cricket, not just for their on-field performances but also for the intangible qualities they bring to the team. As they continue to rewrite records and inspire generations, their legacy in Indian cricket is set to endure for years to come.


