Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin backed Virat Kohli after the former India captain openly spoke about his future in international cricket and why he no longer wants to keep proving himself again and again.

Kohli on ODI World Cup 2027 participar

During Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) official podcast, Kohli shared his thoughts on team culture, clarity in selection and the possibility of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said he still loves playing cricket and is ready to contribute, but only if the team management truly believes in what he brings to the side.

“My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I am part of, and the environment feels that I can add value, I will be seen. If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I am not in that space," Kohli said.

Kohli also said players should not be judged only on recent performances or changing opinions.

“If you go to a workplace and people say they believe in your abilities and a week later they start questioning the way you operate, it’s like why?" he said.

Kohli further added: “Either tell me on day one that I am not good enough or not needed. But if you have said I am good enough and you are not thinking otherwise, then be quiet."

Ashwin backed Virat Kohli's take

Reacting to Kohli’s comments, Ashwin said the star batter has already achieved everything in international cricket and does not need to prove anything to anyone anymore.

“If Virat Kohli is saying that he doesn’t need to prove his worth to anyone, then he is right. There’s nothing left for him to prove to anybody. My thought process was the same too. Who do I even have to prove anything to? After playing for so many years and winning many games for India, who does he still need to prove to?" Ashwin said.

Kohli's ODI career

Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI batters in cricket history. In 311 ODI matches so far, he scored 14,797 runs at an impressive average of 58.71, including 54 centuries. After retiring from T20Is and Test cricket, the 2027 ODI World Cup could be the final chapter of his remarkable international career.