IND vs NZ 2026: ‘He made a decision that he just wants to enjoy his cricket’ – R Ashwin on star Indian batter

Ravi Ashwin. (Photo Source: Ash ki baat/YT)

Ravichandran Ashwin opined that Virat Kohli hasn’t made any changes to his game, and the purple patch he is enjoying at the moment with the bat is because he is enjoying his game.

Some people in the cricket fraternity expressed doubts about Kohli’s future in international cricket, especially about his participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, the former India captain has put their doubts to bed by finishing 2025 as the highest run-getter in the 50-over format for the Men in Blue.

He started 2026 on a high note as he slammed a 91-ball 93 against New Zealand in the first ODI in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, to help India chase down a challenging 301-run target.

“It looks like nothing is going on in his mind. You asked me what he has changed-he hasn’t changed anything; he is just not thinking about anything. He made a decision that he just wants to enjoy his cricket. It seems like he is playing with the attitude of batting in his childhood, combined with the experience of so many years,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

We know that Shreyas has been Mr. Consistent for India in ODI cricket: Ashwin

Apart from Kohli, another batter who has gone from strength to strength in ODI cricket is Shreyas Iyer. He was the highest run-getter for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The first ODI against the Kiwis marked Iyer’s return to international cricket after recovering from an injury. The Mumbai batter scored a fluent 49 off 47 balls, showing no signs of rust.

Ashwin hailed Shreyas for his consistency in the 50-over format. The former Indian spinner mentioned that the delivery that got Shreyas out was a good one, bowled by Kyle Jamieson.

“We know that Shreyas has been Mr. Consistent for India in ODI cricket. His dismissal was very unlike Shreyas; he never leaves the game like this-he generally finishes it. But it is very understandable; he is making a comeback, and that was a good ball by Jamieson,” he added.

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