India's ODI tour of Australia has taken an interesting turn - not just on the field but in the way the series is being sold.
Ahead of the second ODI in Adelaide, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on how the heavy marketing around Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's return might actually be adding unnecessary pressure.
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With both senior batters returning after a long break and struggling in Perth, Ashwin believes India must handle their comeback with care and clarity.
R Ashwin believes marketing focus increases pressure on players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ashwin said that ODI cricket doesn't draw the same excitement it once did, which is why broadcasters and boards rely on promoting big names like Kohli and Rohit.
However, he cautioned that this publicity can create added expectations the players could do without, especially when returning after a layoff.
“Virat Kohli's marketing is very important for the game and for himself. The return of Rohit and Virat has been sold as the highlight. But after that, they also become the talking point. It's difficult to perform right away without match practice,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin urged the team management to give both players space to settle in rather than burden them with immediate results.
He pointed out that if India truly sees Kohli and Rohit as part of the 2027 World Cup plans, they must be eased back through regular match time and open communication rather than judged on every outing.
“At this point, don't let them feel the pressure. Let them enjoy. Because you have to get the best out of them,” he added.
Ashwin backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play 2027 World Cup
Despite the scrutiny, Ashwin reiterated that the duo's experience remains invaluable for Indian cricket. He highlighted that both players still have a vital role to play - not just through performances but also by guiding younger teammates in major tournaments.
“What's important now is to use their knowledge and experience to win tournaments,” Ashwin said.
As India prepare for the second ODI in Adelaide, all eyes will be on how Kohli and Rohit respond - not to the hype, but to the challenge of regaining their rhythm on the field.
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