Retired Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly denied a user's claims on X over Virat Kohli wanting to retire to spend time with his young family while Rohit Sharma is targeting the 2027 World Cup. Ashwin quoted the tweet on the social media platform and sarcastically requested the user to check with him before casting him in the lead role.
Rohit and Kohli have been India's biggest match-winners in the last decade when it comes to white-ball cricket, especially the ODIs, having accumulated over 24000 runs. However, both are unlikely to play in the next 50-overs World Cup, given they are in the wrong side of the 30s. The 2025 Champions Trophy could be their final white-ball tournament, considering both have also retired from T20Is.
The user on X wrote on March 7, Friday:
"As far as I know Rohit is targeting 2027 odi wc while you may see Virat Kohli hanging up his boots soon because he wants to spend more time with his young family that is what Virat discussed to me few months back."
In response, Ashwin sarcastically replied:
"Heartwarming to see humans still excelling at creative storytelling in this AI era. Nice script but maybe check with me next time before casting me in the lead role?"
Virat Kohli is a firm contender for the golden bat in Champions Trophy 2025
Kohli, meanwhile, has been in good form despite starting the eight-team tournament with a scratchy 22 against Bangladesh. The 36-year-old's 100* against Pakistan and 84 against Australia were decisive in scripting India's win. He currently has 217 runs in four matches, while the highest run-getter is Ben Duckett with 227.
Kohli will have the opportunity to go past Duckett's tally when India face New Zealand in the final on March 9, Sunday in Dubai.
