Ravichandran Ashwin and I have always shared an excellent rapport. We have the friendship to discuss and debate contentious issues, even if we don’t agree on certain things. And that’s the best part of a conversation with Ashwin. This was yet again on show when we spoke about the England-India series. Midway through the conversation, I broached the topic of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not being there. I also said that Virat would be missed more because he was an ambassador for the format. He had always prioritised Test cricket, and that will now have to be done by future stars like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. While I was at no point trying to suggest that an individual is key to the format, Ashwin picked up on that and made a very important point.
“I do not think anybody who has played the game, or will play the game, is higher than the game itself,” he told me. “Nobody that walks out on the park does good for the game – the game does good or bad for them. I love Virat, but he has come, played the game, left the game – left it at a great place. He had a great career. But now, it is for someone else to take it forward. Now, I am looking forward to the attitude and desire of talents like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel to take it ahead. It’s time to see if they can replicate the intense energy that players like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar showed on the field all these years. That’s what they should try and aspire to. That’s how the game moves on. Having said that, it is everyone’s responsibility in the team to show that energy and desire.”
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It was evident where Ashwin was coming from. The game is indeed bigger than any individual, and will always be. Yes, Virat and Rohit were key players and made a telling contribution, but even without them, the series will be sold out. Fans will still come and watch, and watch every single day. Reports say that almost all Test matches are sold out, and except for days 4 and 5, there are no tickets left for any of the five Tests. That’s the beauty of red-ball cricket in England, and more so with India travelling.
“The sport has a very rich history,” said Ashwin. “There will always be greats playing it. Be it Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli. But players will always come and go, with the next great coming and taking over. That’s why I said to you I am very interested in this series because I want these players to step up and take over the mantle.”
That’s what it is about. The next batting great, or the next big sensation from India. Kohli is the past. Will Gill or Jaiswal be the next superstar? A five-Test series against England is a huge opportunity. Look at South Africa. Likely to chase down 282 – who would have thought? More so against Australia. Aiden Markram believed. Temba Bavuma believed. And now, they are on the cusp. Gill and Pant should take note. It can be done. And then, Ashwin will be smiling. The game is bigger. It always is.
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