Ashwin Slams X User for Spreading Fake Quote on Virat Kohli’s Retirement, Calls It ‘Creative Storytelling’

The veteran Indian spinner criticized a social media user for fabricating statements about Kohli’s potential retirement while reaffirming India’s success in the Champions Trophy.

March 8, 2025: Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly condemned an X (formerly Twitter) user for attributing a fake quote to him regarding Virat Kohli’s retirement. As India prepares to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, speculation around the futures of senior players Kohli and Rohit Sharma has intensified. However, Ashwin made it clear that he never made the remarks being circulated online.

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The misleading post claimed that Ashwin, via his YouTube channel, had revealed that Kohli was contemplating retirement soon to spend more time with his family, while Rohit was targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup. The post quickly gained traction, fueling unnecessary speculation about the two stalwarts of Indian cricket.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: Harbhajan Singh Expects India To Stick With Four Spinners In Final

Reacting sharply, Ashwin took to X to call out the misinformation:

“Heartwarming to see humans still excelling at creative storytelling in this AI era. Nice script but maybe check with me next time before casting me in the lead role?”

Ashwin Defends India’s Champions Trophy Campaign

In a separate discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin also addressed the ongoing debate regarding India’s alleged “home advantage” in the Champions Trophy 2025. Critics have pointed out that India played all its matches in Dubai, whereas other teams had to travel across venues.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: Sourav Ganguly Backs India To Clinch Victory Against New Zealand

Brushing off the accusations, Ashwin cited historical precedents:

“I can only laugh at the questions directed at our captain and coaches about ‘home advantage.’ In the 2009 Champions Trophy, South Africa played all their matches at the same venue and didn’t even qualify for the final. Let’s accept that India have played class cricket and have reached the final due to top performances.”

He further clarified that India’s last significant presence in Dubai was during the COVID era, after which multiple international teams—including England, New Zealand, and South Africa—competed there.

As India eyes another ICC title on Sunday, Ashwin’s remarks serve as a reminder to focus on the team’s performance rather than unfounded narratives.

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