Ravichandran Ashwin concerned about future of ODI after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (Pic: File Pic)

Former Team India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the One-Day International (ODI) format will struggle for its survival after stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma draw curtains on their careers.

"I am not sure about future of ODI after 2027 World Cup. I am a little worried about it. Of course, I am following Vijay Hazare Trophy but the manner in which I followed SMAT, I am finding slightly difficult to follow," he said on his YouTube channel.

"Also, we need to know what audience wants to watch. I feel Test cricket still has space but ODI cricket, I truly feel (it) doesn't have the space," added Ashwin.

The former cricketer also pointed out how several people started watching the Vijay Hazare Trophy only to see their icons feature in the tournament.

"Look, Rohit and Virat came back to Vijay Hazare Trophy and people started watching it. We have known that sport is always bigger than individuals but at times these players (Ro-Ko) need to come back to make the game relevant. Vijay Hazare Trophy (national one-dayers), of course, is a domestic competition that not a lot of people follow, but they did (so now) because Virat and Rohit were playing. Even then, what happens when they stop playing ODIs?," said the 39-year-old former cricketer.

Ashwin further stated that earlier, the 50-over format had its own importance because it produced a player such as MS Dhoni who would rotate the strike for several overs before charging at the bowlers.

"One-day cricket, once upon a time, was an amazing format because it gave a player like MS Dhoni who (would) take singles for 10-15 overs before he went berserk at the end. You don't have players like that (Dhoni) anymore and there isn't any requirement to play like that, as you are playing with two new balls and five fielders inside circle," said Ashwin.

While Virat and Rohit have already stepped away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, several fans are hopeful that the star duo will continue representing the "Men in Blue" till the ODI World Cup 2027.

(With PTI Inputs)