New Delhi, October 9, 2025 — Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over its handling of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, particularly regarding the lack of communication about their future in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed concern over the absence of a clear roadmap and the silence surrounding the retirement plans of two of India’s most iconic cricketers.
Ashwin questioned why the BCCI failed to outline its ODI strategy for the 2027 World Cup immediately after Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from T20Is following India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. “Had they been informed during their T20I retirement, Kohli and Rohit could have made informed decisions about their future,” Ashwin said. “Instead, speculation has filled the gap, which is unfair to players of their stature”.
He emphasized that players nearing the end of their careers deserve respect and clarity, not ambiguity. “It’s easy to say they’ve grown old and should retire, but that ignores their contributions and the need for proper knowledge transfer,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin also criticized the lack of structured transition planning within Indian cricket, pointing out that younger players are missing out on valuable mentorship. He argued that knowledge transfer isn’t about teaching new shots, but about guiding the next generation in handling pressure, injuries, and leadership responsibilities.
The former spinner refrained from commenting on the selection of Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain but stressed that decisions like these should be communicated transparently. “Rohit deserves to be captain, but if the team is preparing for the future, that’s understandable. Still, clearer communication was needed,” he said.
Ashwin concluded by reaffirming the importance of treating senior players with dignity. “Given the magnitude of their contribution to Indian cricket, there should be better communication not only to them but to everyone,” he stated.
His remarks have sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, with many echoing the need for a more respectful and transparent approach to managing transitions in Indian cricket.
