Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has defended Virat Kohli after his candid admission regarding his retirement from Test Cricket. Kohli bowed out from the longest format ahead of India’s series in England in June 2025. He played his last game in whites in Sydney against Australia in January 2025.

The talismanic batter revealed the mental toll that it took on him to have his performances and commitment questioned after a string of poor showings. 

“Either tell me on day one I am not good enough or I am not needed. But if I am made to feel like I need to constantly prove my worth and my value, then I am not in that space,” Kohli had said, speaking on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast.

The legendary bowler has backed the former Indian skipper, stating that a person who has won so many matches and contributed to the team for years does not have to prove their worth to anyone.

“Virat said, ‘I don’t have to prove my worth to anyone,’ and that’s absolutely right. Why, man? I also felt the same. There was nothing left to prove. Whom does he need to prove himself to after playing for so many years and winning so many matches for India?” Ashwin said, speaking on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin further added that experienced players reach a stage in their careers where they realise the battle is with themselves rather than the voices from the outside.

“What people say from the outside is just their job. When you are young, there is often a strong urge to say, ‘I will prove you wrong.’ But maturity and wisdom come when you realise that the battle is not with anyone else, but with yourself. The moment you have that realisation, life becomes very easy. I think Virat has reached that point. It is not easy to leave regrets behind,” Ashwin explained.

Kohli’s place in the national team has been a point of discussion for some time, with him now only playing for India in the ODI format. He has had yet another brilliant IPL season with RCB, and he recorded his ninth IPL century against the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 14.