‘Virat won’t be a coach, Rohit can…’: Ashwin on duo’s post-retirement careers

Former India all-rounder R Ashwin believes that his long-time teammates Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will have different paths after retirement from international cricket. The senior duo, who have announced their retirement from Test and T20I cricket respectively in 2024 and 2025, plan to push for a final push in the World Cup, scheduled for late 2027 in Africa.

While Rohit will be 40 and Kohli will be 39 during the tournament, Ashwin thinks only one of them will continue to serve the sport in another capacity. He doesn't think Virat Kohli will be ready to coach. Both have contributed immensely to the sport, and it seems likely that Rohit Sharma could find a role with the Mumbai Indians.

Ashwin, however, is unsure about Kohli's future. If Rohit decides he doesn't want to play anymore, Mumbai Indians should definitely give him a chance. He has won five titles and led India to a World Cup victory. Given how MI operates, it's unlikely they'd let him go. The duo have been the highest run-scorers and century-makers in the ODI format recently.

Their last match was during India's 2-1 series loss to England. Kohli scored 144 runs across three innings, while Rohit contributed 175 runs, including a 138-run knock at Lord's. They are expected to return to competitive action next month when India starts their home season with a three-ODI series against the West Indies, starting September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram.

Subsequent matches will be played in Lucknow and New Chandigarh. India will then participate in five ODIs in New Zealand in November, before returning home for three more ODIs against Sri Lanka in December.