IND vs SA 2025: 'Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma having to prove themselves is laughable' - Former India teammate lauds star duo's dedication

Published - 09 Dec 2025, 10:19 IST | Updated - 09 Dec 2025, 10:59 IST

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have nothing left to prove to anyone after the surreal contributions they have made to the nation during their illustrious careers. Instead, the 39-year-old believes that the dedication they are showing even now should provide a "massive learning" for youngsters who aspire to represent the Men in Blue.

Kohli and Rohit have been in phenomenal form of late. While Kohli recently bagged the Player of the Series award against South Africa, Rohit had won the same prize earlier this year against Australia. However, despite their stellar performances in ODI cricket, there are concerns about their participation in the upcoming 50-over World Cup in 2027.

This is because it is still not clear whether the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir view the senior duo as part of India's long-term ODI plans

"The fact that Rohit has worked on his fitness and come back, so props to him. The fact that Virat is batting as well as he is also shows the kind of work both of them have put in. The fact that both of them have to prove is itself a laughable thing. What do they need to prove? Obviously, it is all messaging. In such long careers, we all have ups and downs," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin added that sacrifices are a must for players who want to stay relevant at the highest level of the sport.

"So these things will keep happening. But they don't have to prove anything to anyone. It is actually an example for all the next generation of players coming through, showing that you need to make sacrifices and demonstrate commitment to the game if you want to have such lengthy careers. The game is bigger than anyone else," he said.

Kohli and Rohit will return to action in January during India's three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand.