There has been quite a bit of discussion on ODI cricket and where it stands as a format in the current cricket ecosystem. With increasing T20 franchise leagues across the world, the cricket calendar has been shrinking faster than ever before. Even in the bilateral affairs teams, they have been more inclined to prefer the T20I format over the 50-over version of the game. Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin acknowledged that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma make the ongoing India vs Australia series ODI a selling point.
“Virat Kohli’s marketing is very important for the game and for himself. There is not much of a welcome for 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,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat.’ According to a press release from Cricket Australia, over a whopping 1,75,000 tickets have already been sold for the bilateral event.
In the first ODI, both Rohit (8) and Kohli (0) fell for low scores. “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.”
“At this point of time don’t let them feel the pressure. Let them enjoy. Because you have to get the best out of them. They should be relieved of any kind of pressure on them,” he said.
“What is there for Virat to achieve? He has won everything. For Rohit the 50-over World Cup is left but for Virat even that is not. He is accomplished. What is important for Indian cricket right now? To translate his knowledge and experience and pass it well to the other players, to use it well. Please utilize him to win tournaments. It is important to allow them to enjoy their cricket,” Ashwin concluded on the matter.
