NEW DELHI: The news of Virat Kohli coming out of Test retirement spread rapidly, but the star Indian batter quickly put the rumours to rest, clarifying that he is currently committed to playing only one format - ODIs.
Indian commentator and broadcaster Harsha Bhogle asked Kohli if he plans to play just one format in the future when he came to collect his man of the match award for 135-run knock in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday.
Kohli retired from Test cricket earlier this year, announcing his decision just days before the squad was named for the England series.
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Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on the discussion, saying Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket wasn't an impulsive one. He stressed that since Kohli has made his choice after careful thought, it deserves full respect.
"What's there to think about? Whatever decision we take, it is well thought out. No one decides about retirement overnight. I am fairly certain that if Virat retired from Tests, he was quite clear that he wanted to do so. Nobody makes instinctive decisions. We have all crossed that road," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat'.
"Sure, as audience and fans, we all want to see Virat Kohli. It's there, and the way he batted yesterday, fans are going to think Virat Kohli is in his prime and why we are not able to see him. Test cricket is a different kettle of fish, and he has made his decision about that," he added.
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Ashwin didn't hold back either, emphasising that revisiting Kohli's Test retirement at this stage would be inappropriate. With the Indian team already moving into a transition phase, he said reversing such a major decision now would not serve the larger purpose.
"Let's make one thing very clear. The decision has been made; revisiting it is not the right thing to do. The team has also gone into transition, but I will say one thing, let's just enjoy both Virat and Rohit," said Ashwin.
"Please let's do it because once they are done, we could hear talks like ‘oh, what a player he was! Please bring him back’. That doesn’t cut ice for me. For however long they play, let us celebrate them as long as they are playing. As I said, life moves on very fast. Time does not wait for anyone. It is very important that we realise that the time is less. So it is better that we enjoy whatever they are doing," he concluded.
