Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a rare glimpse into what the future might hold for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma once their international careers come to an end. The veteran Indian spinner believes neither of the two batting stars is likely to rush into coaching, and he predicts very different paths for the duo.
According to Hindustan Times, Ashwin sees contrasting futures for the two players. While both remain active in ODI cricket, the off-spinner suggests Rohit could return to the Mumbai Indians franchise in a different role, while Kohli is more likely to step away from the game entirely for some time.
Ashwin's Prediction on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Coaching Plans
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he does not expect either Kohli or Rohit to immediately take up coaching after retirement. The reason, he explained, is that both players have spent years carrying major responsibilities for the Indian team.
As reported by ABP Live, Ashwin's comments come at a time when speculation about the future of both players has been growing. The veteran spinner's insight offers a realistic view of what could happen when these two legends eventually hang up their boots.
Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli May Not Coach Immediately
Ashwin's logic is straightforward. After spending nearly two decades at the highest level of the sport, both players have endured immense pressure and scrutiny. The idea that they would jump straight into another demanding role like coaching seems unlikely to the veteran spinner.
"I didn't have an idea that both (Rohit and Kohli) would retire together. This will be a testing time for Indian..." — Ravichandran Ashwin via Cricket Kesari
Instead, Ashwin predicts a more relaxed transition. For Rohit, that could mean staying connected to the game through the Indian Premier League, specifically with Mumbai Indians — the franchise he has led to multiple titles. For Kohli, the prediction is different — a period of rest and distance from the sport.
What This Means for Indian Cricket Fans
For fans who have grown up watching these two legends dominate world cricket, Ashwin's prediction offers some clarity. Neither player is expected to disappear from the public eye entirely, but the nature of their involvement will likely be very different.
- Rohit Sharma could remain in the IPL ecosystem through Mumbai Indians in a non-playing capacity
- Virat Kohli may take a complete break from cricket-related responsibilities
- Neither player is expected to pursue coaching in the immediate aftermath of retirement
- Both players continue to represent India in ODI cricket for now
Our Take: A Realistic View of Life After Cricket
In our view, Ashwin's prediction makes complete sense. Coaching is one of the most demanding jobs in cricket — it requires constant travel, endless analysis, and dealing with the same pressure these players have faced for years. After two decades of carrying the weight of a billion fans' expectations, the last thing either Rohit or Kohli would want is more responsibility.
The idea of Rohit returning to Mumbai Indians in a different role is particularly interesting. He has been the face of that franchise, and a move into a mentorship or leadership position would keep him connected to the game without the intensity of international cricket. For Kohli, stepping away entirely seems equally logical — he has always been someone who values his personal time and space.
What this means for fans is simple: we may not see these two legends in coaching roles anytime soon. But that does not mean they will vanish from the sport entirely. The transition from player to former player is never easy, and Ashwin's insight suggests both Rohit and Kohli will handle it in their own way — on their own terms.
