Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a fascinating glimpse into what may lie ahead for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their international careers end. In a wide-ranging conversation on his YouTube channel, the India off-spinner said both players are unlikely to jump into coaching roles immediately. Ashwin predicted that Rohit could eventually return to Mumbai Indians in some capacity, while Kohli may need a longer period away from the game before deciding on his next move.

Ashwin’s comments come at a time when Rohit and Kohli are winding down their workloads in international cricket. Both players walked away from T20 internationals after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph and have since ended their Test careers, choosing to concentrate on ODI cricket. Their vast experience means every thought on their future is widely discussed, and Ashwin’s analysis adds another perspective to that ongoing debate.

Immediate coaching role ruled out

Ashwin was clear that neither Rohit nor Kohli is likely to follow the typical route of moving straight into coaching after retirement. For men who have carried heavy leadership duties for more than a decade, the mental and physical demands of coaching would not be the best first choice, he suggested.

“I don’t think Virat will be ready to become a coach immediately,” Ashwin said.

The spinner believes that both players have earned the right to take a pause before committing to a new career inside the sport.

“Maybe Rohit Sharma could come into the Mumbai Indians in some capacity. I don’t know about Virat, honestly. Virat will probably want to take a break, in my opinion.”

Rohit Sharma and the Mumbai Indians bond

Rohit’s relationship with Mumbai Indians is one of the most successful captain-franchise partnerships in IPL history. He joined the franchise in 2011 and took over the captaincy during the 2013 season after Ricky Ponting stepped aside. Under Rohit, Mumbai went on to win five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

That record is central to Ashwin’s argument. A player who has won five league titles as captain and also led India to a World Cup brings a rare kind of tactical intelligence that should not be allowed to drift away from the game.

“A captain who won five titles and led India to a World Cup, you won’t find such people,” Ashwin said.

Mumbai Indians should be ready

Ashwin’s strongest point was meant for the Mumbai Indians management. He said the franchise should be ready to immediately use Rohit in a new role when the former India captain retires.

“If tomorrow Rohit decides ‘I won’t play,’ Mumbai Indians should immediately absorb him,” he said.

According to Ashwin, Rohit does not necessarily need to become head coach straight away. Coaching at the IPL is a pressing, labour-intensive job that involves travel, planning, meetings and constant problem solving. Ashwin suggested Rohit could take a break of one or two years and then return, once he has had time to refresh himself mentally.

“If he doesn’t want to be head coach because it’s a labour-intensive role, but after a one-two year break, he’ll be ready to take up a role,” Ashwin said.

Mentor or strategic role likely

Given Rohit’s leadership instincts, a mentor, strategic adviser or team director-style position might suit him. Mumbai Indians have often valued experienced voices around the squad, and a figure like Rohit could help young players handle pressure situations.

Ashwin also pointed out that the franchise is unlikely to release him from its setup. “Knowing the Mumbai Indians, they won’t let go of a player with Rohit Sharma’s thinking capacity.”

This is important because Rohit is still an active player. He remains one of India’s most important ODI batters and is already into the later stage of his career. Transition plans, therefore, are not an immediate concern for him.

Virat Kohli’s future remains less clear

Ashwin was less certain when he spoke about Kohli. Kohli’s journey has been different. He has been the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but he is no longer captaining that side and has not played T20Is since 2024. His Test career also ended in January 2025, leaving ODI cricket as his primary format.

For a player who has set so many records under intense pressure, Ashwin sees a possibility that Kohli will want to step back completely from the game rather than accept a role with responsibilities too soon.

Source:MSN News