Virat Kohli would be playing the role Hardik and Rinku played in T20Is: Ravichandran Ashwin

As the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy gets closer by the day, a lot of expectations would be on the seasoned professionals to come good in the tournament. Ace Indian batter, Virat Kohli, is definitely one among those. Averaging 88.17 in the 13 innings he has played in the tournament across the editions he has featured, there would be a lot of expectations from him to deliver the goods yet again.

Former Indian cricketer, Ravichandran Ashwin, remarked Kohli to take on the same function in the ODI tournament as Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh while playing 20-over format. 

"It is important to realise Virat would be playing the role Hardik and Rinku played in T20Is. Who will be the bridge between aggressive batting on top and finishing the batting in the latter end? Virat. Virat has to play to his strengths, and if he regains form, then there is nothing like it for the Indian cricket team. He doesn't have to change his game at all. Honestly, what is the hurry in ODIs? It is important to do what is right in the 50-over format," shared Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.

Don't think he will take a step back from the template: Ashwin

The Champions Trophy winner anticipated Rohit Sharma to follow the same positive approach with the bat, similar to the one resembling the one employed in the previous couple of ICC tournaments.

"Considering how Rohit played in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, I don't think he would have an issue. The way Rohit has adapted to the changing times and led from the front, I don't think he will take a step back from the template," added Ashwin.

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Kohli and Rohit will be involved in a three-match ODI series India will play against England. The 50-over leg of the ongoing white-ball series is scheduled to commence on February 6.