Ravichandran Ashwin backs Virat Kohli to play to his strengths in ODI series against England

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has advised talisman batter Virat Kohli to play to his strengths in the three-match ODI series against England. Ashwin wants Kohli to take his time at the crease to regain his lost form and not adopt an overly aggressive approach from the get-go.

Kohli could only manage 190 runs in five Test matches against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy at an average of 23.75. Furthermore, the veteran could only score 93 runs in three Test matches against New Zealand while playing at home.

Kohli recently scored only six runs in the Ranji Trophy clash against Railways before he was bowled by Himanshu Sangwan but he would be determined to turn his form in the white-ball format.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “Virat has to play to his strengths, and if he regains form, then there is nothing like it for the Indian cricket team. He doesn’t have to change his game at all. Honestly, what is the hurry in ODIs? It is important to do what is right by the 50-over format.”

He added, “It is important to realise Virat would be playing the role Hardik and Rinku played in T20Is. Who will be the bridge between aggressive batting on top and finishing the batting in the latter end? Virat.”

On the other hand, Ashwin feels Rohit Sharma would continue to bat in an aggressive manner as he had played in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“Considering how Rohit played in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, I don’t think he would have an issue. The way Rohit has adapted to the changing times and led from the front, I don’t think he will take a step back from the template,” said Ashwin (in the aforementioned video).

The first ODI between India and England will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur on Thursday.