Ashwin: Dropping Rohit Or Virat Nearly Impossible

Star Batters Hold Unmatched Power

Ravichandran Ashwin says the Indian cricket squad can hardly contemplate leaving out Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli as long as the duo remains active. He points out that both have been backbone figures for over 15 years, amassing scores that keep them in the national conversation. Their batting records and massive fan bases create a level of protection bowlers rarely enjoy. Removing either from the side would trigger a deafening backlash from the stands.

Bowlers Face Far Easier Removal

Ashwin highlights the stark contrast by noting that players like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are vulnerable even when they contribute. Siraj’s last international outing came in the Test against Afghanistan on June 6, 2026, staged in New Chandigarh, while Shami’s most recent appearance was in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai. The limited fan support for bowlers means that dropping them rarely sparks widespread protest. This disparity shows how the system leans heavily toward protecting celebrated batters.

Why This Matters For Indian Cricket

The imbalance between batter and bowler treatment raises questions about the future of talent development in India. While opportunities should open for younger players, the sheer influence of star hitters makes any attempt to phase them out politically charged. If bowlers could rally similar backing, they too would become undroppable, reshaping the team’s dynamics. Ashwin’s comments, shared on his YouTube channel “Ash Ki Baat,” underscore a growing debate about fairness and sustainability in the Indian Cricket Board’s selection policies. The conversation signals that the sport’s governing bodies may need to address these imbalances as they plan the next era of Indian cricket.