Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Virat Kohli’s star power drives the India vs Australia ODI series

Ravichandran Ashwin highlights Virat Kohli’s unmatched influence, calling his presence the biggest factor in keeping the India vs Australia ODIs relevant.

Kohli during the practice. Image | BCCI on X

Cricket fans often tune in for the action, but sometimes it’s the players who make the spectacle larger than the game itself. According to Ravichandran Ashwin, that’s exactly what Virat Kohli brings to the ongoing India vs Australia ODI series, a unique magnetism that fuels excitement, boosts viewership, and gives the format a much-needed spark.

Kohli’s presence: The game’s biggest selling point

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin candidly discussed how the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has revitalized fan interest in the bilateral series. His words underline a larger truth, ODI cricket has been struggling to compete with the fast-paced glamour of T20 leagues. Yet, when players like Kohli and Rohit walk out to bat, they bring not just experience but also the emotional investment of millions.

Watch the India vs Australia 2nd ODI live

Their presence turns what might have been an average series into a high-profile sporting event. Ashwin, however, urged fans to keep expectations realistic. Both Rohit and Kohli returned to the ODI setup after a long break, and the veteran spinner emphasized the importance of patience.

"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. 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," Ashwin said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

The message resonates deeply with Indian fans, who often expect instant match-winning performances from their icons. Ashwin’s insight serves as a reminder that star power can’t always guarantee immediate success, but it remains crucial to the game’s commercial and emotional heartbeat.

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Where to watch India vs Australia 2nd ODI in India

For cricket fans in India, live streaming will be available on JioHotstar app, via OTTplay Premium.

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