In the wake of Virat Kohli's recent retirement from Test cricket, veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a timely reminder to fans, urging them to view the game as paramount, rather than placing individuals on pedestals. Ashwin's comments come amidst a wave of sentimentality surrounding Kohli's departure, with many fans and pundits alike projecting the former captain as the savior of the Indian Test team, particularly ahead of their challenging five-match series against England.
Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket, after a stellar 14-year career, has undoubtedly left a void in the Indian batting lineup. With 123 Tests, 9230 runs, and 30 centuries under his belt, Kohli's contributions to the red-ball format are undeniable. He was not just a run-scorer, but also a leader who instilled a fierce competitive spirit in the team, leading India to historic victories both at home and abroad. His absence will be keenly felt, especially given Rohit Sharma's recent retirement as well, leaving a significant leadership and experience vacuum.
However, Ashwin, known for his astute understanding of the game, has cautioned against elevating any player, even one as accomplished as Kohli, above the sport itself. "I do not think anybody who has played the game, or will play the game, is higher than the game itself," Ashwin stated firmly. He emphasized that Test cricket shapes the careers of its players, rather than the other way around, stating "Nobody that walks the park does good for the game -- the game does good or bad by them". This perspective underscores the importance of collective effort and the enduring nature of the game, irrespective of individual contributions.
Ashwin's remarks are particularly relevant given the tendency of fans to place immense pressure and expectations on star players. While it is natural to admire and celebrate individual brilliance, it is crucial to remember that cricket is ultimately a team sport. Overburdening a single player with the responsibility of shouldering the team's hopes can be detrimental, both to the player and to the overall team performance. Kohli himself has admitted in the past that the weight of expectations, both his own and the public's, contributed to periods of desperation and affected his performance.
The upcoming Test series against England presents a fresh opportunity for the new generation of Indian cricketers to step up and make their mark. With Shubman Gill at the helm as captain, and Rishabh Pant serving as his deputy, there is a sense of optimism and anticipation surrounding the team's potential. Ashwin has expressed his eagerness to witness the contributions of talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, hoping they can replicate the intense energy that players like Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar brought to the field.
Ultimately, Ashwin's message is clear: while Virat Kohli's legacy will undoubtedly be cherished, the future of Indian Test cricket rests on the collective shoulders of the current and upcoming players. It is their responsibility to uphold the traditions of the game, embrace the challenges ahead, and strive for excellence as a team. By doing so, they can ensure that the spirit of Test cricket continues to thrive, regardless of individual departures or arrivals.
