Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has come out in support of Virat Kohli following Kohli’s honest remarks about his retirement from Test Cricket. Kohli decided to step away from the longest format of the game before India’s series in England in June 2025, with his last Test match played in Sydney against Australia in January 2025.
Kohli expressed the mental strain he faced due to criticisms regarding his performance and commitment after a series of underwhelming games.
“Either tell me on day one I am not good enough or I am not needed. But if I am made to feel like I need to constantly prove my worth and my value, then I am not in that space,” Kohli said on a podcast with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Ashwin supported Kohli, highlighting that someone who has contributed so much to the team over the years does not need to justify their place to anyone.
“Virat said, ‘I don’t have to prove my worth to anyone,’ and that’s absolutely right. Why should he? After all those years and victories for India, who does he need to prove himself to?” Ashwin remarked on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin noted that as players mature, they come to understand that their biggest challenge is not external pressures but their own personal battles.
“What people say from the outside is just their job. When you’re young, you want to prove everyone wrong. But maturity comes when you realize the real competition is with yourself. Once you see that, life becomes much easier. I think Virat has reached that point. It’s not easy to leave regrets behind,” Ashwin explained.
There has been ongoing debate about Kohli’s role in the national team, as he currently only participates in ODIs. He has had a successful IPL season with RCB, including his ninth IPL century against the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 14.