Overview
- Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that Kohli should not have to keep proving himself after years of winning matches for India.
- Kohli told Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s podcast he still loves playing, wants a clear role and steady trust from selectors, and hopes to play the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Ashwin framed Kohli’s stance as typical of seasoned players whose toughest battles become internal, saying it is not easy to leave regrets behind.
- Kohli has retired from Tests and T20Is but remains a leading ODI batter with 14,797 runs in 311 games, 54 centuries, and an average near 59.
- His argument comes with strong IPL 2026 form, including 400-plus runs and a recent match-winning century for RCB, with a game against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on Sunday.