Former India all-rounder R Ashwin has refuted claims that he predicted Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement, calling them "creative storytelling".
A viral post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) made the rounds on the internet, fueling speculation about Rohit and Kohli's future in India's jersey. It claimed that Ashwin had predicted Rohit is aiming to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, while Kohli may call it quits soon to spend more time with his family.
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"Ravi Ashwin said - As far as I know Rohit is targeting 2027 odi wc while you may see Virat Kohli hanging up his boots soon because he wants to spend more time with his young family that is what Virat discussed to me few months back. (Via his YT channel)," read the X post.
However, Ashwin hit back at the post, bluntly debunking the claims on his X account.
'Check before casting me in the lead role,' says Ashwin
"Heartwarming to see humans still excelling at creative storytelling in this AI era. Nice script but maybe check with me next time before casting me in the lead role?" Ashwin questioned sarcastically.
Heartwarming to see humans still excelling at creative storytelling in this AI era. Nice script but maybe check with me next time before casting me in the lead role? https://t.co/Kf2worJI30
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 8, 2025
Although a couple of users asserted they heard the exact statement on Ashwin’s Tamil YouTube channel, the source of the quotes could not be traced.
Anna I also heard this from you in tamil yt channel. You said exact words . You are big personality, you have many works so maybe you would have forgotten.
— ᴘʀᴀᴛʜᴍᴇꜱʜ⁴⁵ (@45Fan_Prathmesh) March 8, 2025
Both Kohli and Rohit have been long-serving stalwarts of Indian cricket. Kohli, with 27,598 runs, is the second-highest scorer for India across formats, while Rohit is close behind with 19,624 runs, the fourth-highest for his country.
Ashwin, the second-highest Test wicket-taker for India, recently announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket midway through the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He will play in this year’s IPL for Chennai Super Kings, the franchise that shaped his formative years.
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