They are back in focus again, with the countdown for the ICC Champions Trophy beginning. Kohli and Rohit have the extra weight of expectations on their shoulders because they had crucial roles to play in India’s victory at the T20 World Cup, 2024. It is unfortunate that both seem to be out of form in recent times. In fact, on many occasions, captain Rohit’s aggressive approach has landered them in hassles. But the former India international Ravichandran Ashwin doesn’t see Rohit changing his ways. Instead, he called upon Virat Kohli to be the team’s “bridge.”

Ashwin has turned into a full-scale pundit after international retirement and made a big statement before the start of the ODI series between India and England, which will work as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy, starting 19 February.

“I don’t think Rohit will have any issues considering how he has been playing the 2023 World Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2024. Rohit has always been at the forefront in adapting to the changing times; therefore, I doubt he will ever back off from the template,” Ashwin stated in his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat.’

Ashwin wants to see Kohli bat in T20I like he would see Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh, switching between anchoring at some junctures of the innings while at times stepping on the accelerator depending on the situation.

“Understand, Hardik and Rinku were T20Is, and Virat would play the role. Who will be that bridge between the top-aggressive batting and finishing it on the latter end? Virat,” Ashwin stated.

“Virat should stick to his game. If he can get back in form, it will be the best for the Indian cricket team. He does not have to change his game one bit. Why should we say really short when we look into ODIs? Go with what is right for the 50-over format,” said Ashwin.