Ravichandran Ashwin has credited Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid—not Gautam Gambhir—for transforming India’s ODI batting into the ultra-aggressive style fans see today. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained how the duo pushed a mindset shift where strike rate mattered as much as, if not more than, average.
Rohit & Dravid Led India’s White-Ball Reset
Ashwin said the shift began around 2022, when Dravid brought in a clear philosophy that modern ODI batting had to be fast, fearless, and high-scoring.
Rohit didn’t just support the idea—he lived it at the top of the order.
“Rahul bhai said this is how we need to play, and Rohit showed the way,” Ashwin shared.
Rohit’s explosive 2023 World Cup run—nearly 600 runs at a strike rate of 125.95—became the blueprint for India’s new identity. Senior players like Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer then balanced the middle overs with controlled aggression, giving India a complete white-ball formula that dominated until the final.
Transition Phase Leaves India in a Tough Spot
While Rohit and Kohli are still performing at the highest level, India’s ODI side is now stuck in a tricky transition.
With 2027 still far away and limited ODI matches in the calendar, the team struggles to balance giving opportunities to youngsters while depending on their senior match-winners.
Injuries to Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Hardik Pandya have further complicated the selection puzzle in the ongoing series against South Africa.
Ruturaj Gaikwad batted at No. 4, Washington Sundar at No. 5, and KL Rahul was pushed down to No. 6 in Ranchi—raising eyebrows among former players.
“Squad Selection Needs Review” — Ashwin Criticises Missing Like-For-Like Replacement
Ashwin questioned why Nitish Kumar Reddy was not included in the playing XI as a direct replacement for Hardik Pandya.
“If Hardik isn’t available and we still can’t pick Nitish Kumar Reddy, there is something seriously wrong with squad selection,” he said.
Ashwin argued that Reddy was chosen because he offers the same dual skill set as Pandya—a fast-bowling all-rounder who can grow into the role with time.
Not using him in a depleted side, he said, defeats the purpose of his selection.
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