Ravichandran Ashwin Reacts To Virat Kohli's Move To Play Vijay Hazare Trophy, Says 'Are They Doubting...'

India vs South Africa: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has attempted to decipher Virat Kohli's decision to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, following consecutive centuries in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. Sensing it as a major shift in his approach, Ashwin felt that Kohli might have wanted to end the chatter about his future in the only format he plays right now.

Kohli did not have the best of starts in his return to international cricket as he scored two back-to-back ducks in the Australia series. However, he played a major role in securing a win in the 3rd and final ODI of the series by scoring an unbeaten 74. The knock was a sign of his incredible return to form as he looked in sublime touch.

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Ashwin also gave his insights on the aggressive celebration by Kohli as he pumped his fists in the air in delight after reaching the milestone in Raipur.

Speaking on his YouTube Channel, 'Ash Ki Baat', Ashwin said, "Why is Virat celebrating like that? What is he thinking, what has he gone through? Let's not forget that Virat left Test cricket. Both were very synchronous. He loved Test cricket, and wanted to play always, but he left because it was not only about his requirements. Whatever chatter was going on, and his lack of runs in Tests, we do not know what he wanted to do. To leave the sport is a big decision."

"Now he has agreed to play Vijay Hazare, so communication is happening. In many ways, Virat must have thought, are these people doubting me? Are they doubting my ability? He is a very competitive person, which has helped him perform so much over the years. He must have taken it to heart that there are doubts regarding my skill and ability, and that I will show them now. Sometimes, in an attempt to desperately prove yourself, you can be out, and there is a chance that it happened with Virat as well in the past. But now, he must be telling you that you doubted me? Now I have shown what I can do. I have got it in me. He looks in good space. His centre of gravity is much lower than what it was over last couple of years, which is a crucial facet in timing the ball and picking the length right," Ashwin signed off.

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India will play the series decider at Visakhapatnam on Saturday, with the Proteas having chased down 359 at Raipur on Wednesday courtesy of a classy Aiden Markram century. Virat has a phenomenal record at Visakhapatnam, having made 587 runs in seven innings at an average of 97.83 and a strike rate of above 100, with three centuries and two fifties and a best score of 157*.

In 12 ODIs this year, Virat has scored 586 runs in 12 innings at an average of 58.60, with a strike rate of 92.72, including three centuries, three fifties and a best score of 135. 

Inputs from Agency