Is Virat Kohli Bigger Than Test Cricket? R Ashwin Thinks Otherwise!

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 14: Ravichandran Ashwin said something simple but deep – no one is bigger than cricket. Speaking about Kohli’s retirement from Test matches, Ashwin reminded everyone that cricket has made players, not the other way around. Even though fans are emotional, the game will go on. Just like it went on after legends like Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, and MS Dhoni stepped away from the format.

Kohli Played, Inspired, And Moved On

Ashwin added that Virat Kohli gave his best to red-ball cricket, but now his time is over. He played the game with energy, led from the front, and left it in a strong place. It’s now up to the younger ones to carry that passion. Kohli never asked for the game to revolve around him – he played it with respect and stepped aside gracefully.

India’s Test Squad Now Looks Very Different

India will now face England without Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or even Ashwin himself. This will be the first time in many years that all three are missing from the playing XI. With Shubman Gill as captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, it’s going to be a fresh start. It will be exciting to see how this new team takes shape.

Can Gill and Pant Keep the Fire Alive?

Ashwin said he’s looking forward to seeing how Gill, Pant, and others like Jaiswal and Jurel handle the pressure. Will they be able to play with the same hunger and passion as Kohli or Tendulkar? It’s not just about runs and wickets—it’s about attitude, teamwork, and loving the game deeply every day they step onto the field.

Why Ashwin’s Words Hit Home

Ashwin's journey is also ending, but he isn't bitter. Instead, he’s excited for the new faces to shine. He believes this change is natural. After all, cricket has always survived great retirements. From Gavaskar to Ganguly, from Dravid to Dhoni—every exit opened the door for a new star. Now, it’s that moment again.

The IPL Experience Will Help the Youngsters

According to Ashwin, today’s players are lucky. They’ve already faced world-class bowlers in the IPL. For example, Sai Sudharsan has batted against names like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. He has also played for Surrey, so English pitches won’t surprise him. This kind of early exposure is a big boost for India’s Test hopes.

Ashwin Sees Bright Days Ahead

Ashwin believes this Test series against England will be full of surprises. The younger players are not blank slates; they’re already battle-ready. Their confidence from IPL and India A matches will guide them. The team will miss the experience of seniors, but if the attitude is right, anything is possible—even a series win in English conditions.