As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, all eyes are once again on Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. After their crucial roles in India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup, expectations are high for the duo. However, recent form has not been on their side, with Rohit’s ultra-aggressive approach sometimes putting the team in tricky situations. Despite this, former India international Ravichandran Ashwin believes Rohit will not change his style, which is why he sees Kohli as the crucial ‘bridge’ for the team.
Ashwin, now a full-time cricket pundit following his international retirement, shared his insights ahead of India’s ODI series against England. This series serves as a preparation ground for the Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19.
“Considering how Rohit played in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, I don’t think he will take a step back from the template. He has adapted to modern cricket and led from the front,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat.’
Ashwin compared Kohli’s role to that of Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh in T20Is, emphasizing the importance of balancing aggression with stability.
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“It is important to realize that Virat would be playing the role Hardik and Rinku played in T20Is. Who will be the bridge between aggressive batting at the top and finishing strong at the end? Virat,” Ashwin explained.
He further stressed that Kohli should stick to his natural game rather than rush his approach in ODIs.
“If Virat regains form, it will be a huge boost for India. He doesn’t need to change his game. In ODIs, there is no hurry—it’s all about playing the format right,” Ashwin concluded. ner.