ODI Cricket Faces Uncertain Future After Rohit-Kohli Era, Warns Ravi Ashwin
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed serious concerns that One-Day International cricket may lose its appeal once batting icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli hang up their boots from the 50-over format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the retired all-rounder questioned the viability of ODI cricket beyond the 2027 World Cup, raising uncomfortable questions about the format’s long-term sustainability. Ashwin, who claimed 156 ODI wickets during his international career, admitted he struggles to engage with the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy—India’s domestic 50-over competition—with the same enthusiasm he showed for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the T20 tournament.
“I am not sure about the future of ODI after the 2027 World Cup. I am a little worried about it. Of course, I am following the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but the manner in which I followed SMAT, I am finding it slightly difficult to follow,” Ashwin stated.
Test Cricket Survives, ODIs May Not
The 2011 World Cup winner drew a distinction between the fates of different formats, suggesting that while Test cricket retains audience interest, ODI cricket may struggle to maintain relevance.
“Also, we need to know what the audience wants to watch. I feel Test cricket still has space, but ODI cricket, I truly feel, doesn’t have the space,” he added.
Star Power Driving Viewership
Ashwin emphasized how heavily Indian ODI cricket depends on the drawing power of Rohit and Kohli, pointing to their recent participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as proof. Their involvement transformed the typically low-profile domestic tournament into a major talking point among Indian cricket fans.
“Look, Rohit and Virat came back to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and people started watching it. We have known that sport is always bigger than individuals, but at times these players need to come back to make the game relevant,” Ashwin observed.
He posed a critical question about the format’s future: “Vijay Hazare Trophy, of course, is a domestic competition that not a lot of people follow, but they did because Virat and Rohit were playing. Even then, what happens when they stop playing ODIs?”
Both Rohit and Kohli are scheduled to feature in the upcoming home ODI series against New Zealand, which begins in 10 days.