Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced frustration over the way the team management has handled communication with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as India prepare for the upcoming ODI series in Australia.
With Shubman Gill appointed as the new ODI captain, the decision has raised questions about the long-term vision for two of India's biggest cricketing icons.
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Although both Rohit and Kohli have been named in the 15-man squad for the three-match series, uncertainty remains around their future in the 50-over format, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away.
R Ashwin questions clarity on India’s long-term cricket vision ahead of AUS vs IND 2025 series
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, said the team management should have been more transparent with both senior players soon after they retired from T20Is following the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“I really hope the conversation has happened with Virat and Rohit. But if it happened now, why not right after their T20I retirement? Had that talk taken place earlier, they could have decided whether to continue playing or not,” Ashwin said.
He added that the lack of clear communication has created “a lot of uninformed space” and unnecessary speculation.
“When there is no clean, transparent communication with a long-term vision, it leaves players in a very tender space. Considering what Rohit and Virat have done for Indian cricket, the least they deserve is clarity,” he added.
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Ashwin also hinted that the transition phase could have been handled with more respect and empathy.
“All the new guys may not understand the weight of what's happening to players like Rohit and Virat. When they reach that stage, they will realize it. I wouldn't say who is right or wrong, but a little bit of sensitivity was necessary,” he said.
India will face Australia in the first ODI at Perth's Optus Stadium on October 19, marking the return of both veterans to international cricket after a seven-month break.
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