Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin shared his views on reports claiming that Virat Kohli will make a u-turn from his Test retirement soon. Though Kohli did score a magnificent century against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday, the rumours suggesting him to make a Test return ended up receiving quite a lot of attention. The 38-year-old had announced his retirement from the longest format earlier this year in May.
After Kohli played a phenomenal knock of 135, carrying India to a 17-run win in the first ODI, he himself confirmed that he will only play in one format for India going forward and isn't thinking about making a return to Test cricket.
Ashwin wants Kohli's decision to be respected
Ashwin remarked that such big decisions aren't taken overnight. He further stated that Kohli was quite clear on what he wanted to do and added that his decision should be respected.
“What's there to think about? Whatever decision we take, it is well thought out. No one decides about retirement overnight. I am fairly certain that if Virat retired from Tests, he was quite clear that he wanted to do so. Nobody makes instinctive decisions. We have all crossed that road,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
“Sure, as audience and fans, we all want to see Virat Kohli. It's there, and the way he batted yesterday, fans are going to think Virat Kohli is in his prime and why we are not able to see him. Test cricket is a different kettle of fish, and he has made his decision about that,” he added.
Kohli's century leads India to victory
Meanwhile, Kohli's hundred played a massive role in India reaching a formidable total of 349/6 in 50 overs. Both Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul also gave valiant contributions to the humongous total with their knocks of 57 and 60 respectively. In reply, the Proteas did give a tough fight, but eventually got bundled out for 332 runs. This saw the Men in Blue take a valuable 1-0 lead in the assignment and they will now have a chance of sealing the series in the second game that will be played on December 3 in Raipur.