Ravichandran Ashwin defends Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma amidst World Cup failure, asks to ‘give them some space’
Ravichandran Ashwin Sachin Tendulkar (Image source: Twitter)
Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s veteran off-spinner, has come to the defense of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in regards to the team’s recent inability to win Major World tournaments. The last time the Men in Blue won a Major World Trophy was ten years ago when they lifted the 2013 Champions Trophy under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
On his official YouTube channel, Ashwin labelled the criticism towards the team’s lack of Major World tournament victories as unjustified and used Sachin Tendulkar as an example to support his argument. He stated, “Even Sachin Tendulkar won the World Cup in his sixth attempt. That was the situation for a stalwart of Indian cricket. Just because another stalwart in MS Dhoni came in and won a World Cup as soon as he took charge, doesn’t mean that it will happen for everyone, right?”
You need those crux moments to go your way- Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin pointed out that Kohli and Sharma have already won a few major World tournaments and should be given more time. He said, “Virat Kohli won the World tournament in 2011 (World Cup), and 2013 when we won the Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma has also won the Champions Trophy. So, we can give them some space. They are playing in bilateral series, Indian T20 League and so many other matches. But when it comes to World tournaments, you need those crux moments to go your way.”
India currently holds 3 world cups and a Champions Trophy, with three of those titles being won under Dhoni’s leadership. The Men in Blue last won a world cup tournament in 2011 on home soil, and there is a chance to repeat this triumph as India will be hosting the ODI World Cup event in October-November 2023.
India will be looking to do anything to win the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, the preparations of which are already underway. India recently won a 3-match ODI series against New Zealand by 3-0 and would look to continue their great run of form to the World Cup 2023.
