Virat Kohli is finished? Ravichandran Ashwin drops colossal statement on batter's future

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Virat Kohli to play for the Indian team for at least a couple of years more.

The former India spinner's comments have come at a time when Virat Kohli as well as Rohit Sharma's future with the Indian team has become the talk of the town in the Indian cricket fraternity. Both the veteran batsmen had announced their retirement from T20Is last year after helping the team win the marquee event.

Just like Rohit, Virat Kohli is a part of both the Test as well as ODI teams at present. However, there are calls from several quarters to drop the duo from at least the Test team after their dismal show last season. Virat Kohli had a disastrous outing with the bat during the Test series against New Zealand and Australia and faced severe criticism.

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Ravichandran Ashwin backs Virat Kohli:

With the new WTC cycle to start later this year, many believe that Virat Kohli should be dropped from the Test team and new faces should be backed. There is also very little clarity over his future with the ODI team.

However, Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind his former India teammate and has backed him to play for the national team for at least two more years. Speaking to RevSportz, the off-spinner stated that Kohli is still fit and can contribute immensely to the team that is filled with youngsters.

"He's got a few years and make no mistake, the way Virat is batting, I think he's got a couple of years ahead of him easily. The fact of the matter is whether I'm backing him or not backing him, I've got no reasons and I've got nothing, no axe to grind with anybody," said Ravichandran Ashwin.

The Tamil Nadu ace also highlighted how Virat Kohli can help youngsters in becoming better cricketers.

"The fact of the matter is he's fit and I think he can contribute immensely to a group that's very young. And I am first hand witness to say how certain basic things have been forgotten in grooming some of these cricketers in first-class cricket.

"Has to be replicated and taught and passed on by some of the seniors who will have to do that KT at this level," said Ravichandran Ashwin.

"For instance about how to shine a ball or even not to throw a ball into the surface is something I learnt in first-class cricket.

"That fine-tuning isn't happening now which is a cause of concern. However, look around the world, I've seen the video of Sam Konstas batting in first-class cricket in Australia and he was reverse-lapping a fast bowler and he got out doing it once or twice.

"The way of the world is that people are going to take less smarter options in Test cricket and when you look at that, less smarter options versus less smarter options is going to nullify one other's advantage," Ravichandran Ashwin added.

Meanwhile, Kohli is currently playing in the ICC Champions Trophy and is enjoying another prolific campaign with the bat. He is India's highest run-scorer in the tournament. In 4 games, the former India captain has scored 217 runs at an average of more than 72. He will be eyeing another good outing when India take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday (March 9).