Virat Kohli's marketing is very important for the game and for himself: Ravi Ashwin

Former Indian cricketer and analyst Ravi Ashwin has made it clear by stating that the Indian talismanic batter Virat Kohli brings the marketing factor with his presence on the field, and it’s very important for the game and for himself. 

Notably, Kohli bagged an eight-ball duck in the first ODI and a four-ball duck in the second ODI. Interestingly, this series was his and Rohit Sharma’s first international game since the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin emphasized that the highest sellable factor in the ongoing three-match ODI series is the return of the Indian veteran batting duo of Kohli and Rohit. Moreover, he backed the Indian duo to do well in the Adelaide ODI. 

"Virat Kohli's marketing is very important for the game and for himself. There is not much of a welcome for the ODI series these days, so how else will you sell it? The highest sellable factor is the return of Rohit and Virat. So that has been sold. After that they also become the talking point. It is difficult to go and straight away and perform. They have not played any cricket, no match practice. The stands might be filled in Adelaide, and they may also fail again; that is the nature of the game," Ashwin said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

Furthermore, the former spinner also felt that with the right backing from the team management and cricketing fraternity, the Indian veteran batting duo can continue to deliver at the highest level.

"Right now, Rohit and Virat need support, space, and communication. These three factors are important, and it is crucial for management and the broader Indian cricket ecosystem to support them at this point in time, fostering direct and open communication. With this, we could see their best once again in ODIs, because they are champions. In white-ball, they both have been champions, be it in ODIs or T20Is. A repository of success lies behind them. What are we questioning? They need space, respect, and that comfort with communication," he stated.

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