Ravichandran Ashwin has never shied away from speaking his mind and his recent remarks about how senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been treated by the Indian team management have sparked serious discussion. As Indian cricket looks ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ashwin believes that the transition toward younger players could have been managed with greater sensitivity and communication.
With Shubman Gill recently taking over as India’s ODI captain, it’s clear that the selectors are preparing for a generational shift. However, Ashwin feels that the two senior pros who have given more than a decade of service to Indian cricket should have been informed well in advance about the succession plans. He suggested that while planning for the future is understandable, it should not come at the cost of respect and proper dialogue with those who have carried the team for years.
Ashwin said that it’s natural for selectors to think about the future and focus on younger players, especially with the constant stream of talent emerging from the IPL. But he added that it’s not just about moving on from older players, it’s about how the system manages that change. According to him, when players near the end of their careers, what matters most is the dignity and clarity with which they are treated. He pointed out that decisions should not come across as abrupt or impersonal but rather as part of a well-communicated and thoughtful process.
The off-spinner also raised an important point about what he called the lack of “knowledge transfer” within Indian cricket. He explained that in many professional fields, knowledge transfer ensures that experience and wisdom are passed on from seniors to juniors before they step away. In cricket, this could mean senior players helping younger ones not just with technique but also with how to handle pressure, injuries and decision-making in crucial moments.
Ashwin noted that younger cricketers like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, when they first joined the national side, had to learn on their own about the finer details of fielding positions or game awareness — things that could have been passed down through more structured mentorship. He emphasised that the presence of experienced players in the dressing room plays a big role in shaping the next generation and that this process of learning from veterans should not be overlooked.
Reflecting on the broader setup, Ashwin questioned whether Indian cricket currently allows for proper knowledge transfer between players and coaches. He pointed out that while leadership changes are common, such as the recent transition from Rahul Dravid to Gautam Gambhir, they often happen without a clear long-term roadmap. He said that without such planning, it becomes difficult for the team to ensure smooth continuity and effective exchange of experience.
Ashwin also expressed hope that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been informed about their future roles but felt these conversations should have happened much earlier. He suggested that the ideal time for such discussions was right after the two senior players announced their retirement from T20 internationals last year. According to him, that was the perfect opportunity for the management to outline its vision for the next phase and clarify where each player fit into those plans. Instead, he said, the lack of open communication has created uncertainty and speculation about what’s next for the two stalwarts.
He added that when communication is not transparent or forward-looking, it leaves players feeling uncertain and undervalued. Ashwin believes that open dialogue and honesty not only help players prepare for what’s ahead but also strengthen trust within the team.
In closing, he acknowledged that if Rohit and Kohli do manage to make it to the 2027 World Cup, it would be a remarkable achievement given that they now play limited cricket outside the IPL. He said that their contribution to Indian cricket is immense and deserves respect, regardless of what lies ahead. He emphasised that a little more clarity and appreciation from the management would have made the transition far smoother for everyone involved.
Through his comments, Ashwin reminded fans and administrators alike that while change is necessary for progress, it must be managed with empathy and vision. Legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have built the foundation of Indian cricket’s modern success and as the next generation steps forward, the least they deserve is open communication, respect and a dignified transition.
We completely agree with R Ashwin, what about you?
