"Tough To Replace": R Ashwin Admits Virat Kohli's 'Energy Will Be Missed'

Soumyajit Dutta

R Ashwin and Virat Kohli [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]R Ashwin and Virat Kohli [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]

Virat Kohli’s announcement on May 12, 2025, that he is retiring from Test cricket marked the end of an era for Indian cricket. After 14 years of wearing the baggy blue, Kohli stepped away from the longest format with a heartfelt message reflecting on how Test cricket shaped him both as a player and a person. 

With 9,230 runs and 30 centuries in 123 Tests, Kohli leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s finest batters and most successful captains. Ravichandran Ashwin, Kohli's long-time national side teammate and IPL rival spoke up on his impact on the field. 

Ashwin Reveals the Irreplaceable Quality Of Kohli

Reflecting on Kohli’s undeniable presence, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised the veteran batter’s influence on the game. 

“Virat the Test fuel will be missed. He was an ambassador for Test cricket and his energy will be missed on the field as far as I am concerned. His energy on the field is tough to replace. Felt like he had some more cricket left but then he will know best because when it’s time, it’s time,” Ashwin said as quoted by RevSportz.

He also stated that with Rohit and Kohli both gone, it will create a leadership void in the Indian team.

"Their retirements will definitely create a leadership vacuum. You can't buy experience, especially on tours like this. Virat's energy and Rohit's composure will be missed," he added.

This tribute highlights how Kohli’s presence energized the Indian team and inspired those around him. 

Ashwin and Virat Kohli shared the Test dressing room for over a decade, forming a formidable partnership that contributed to many memorable moments. From Kohli’s masterful hundreds to Ashwin’s crafty spin bowling, the duo played together in 136 Tests, winning 71 of them. 

The Veteran Trio Rest The Whites

Notably, Ashwin himself retired from Test cricket with a shock exit from BGT 2024-25, bowing out as India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 537 scalps. 

With Rohit Sharma also gone, their departures mark the closing of a glorious chapter defined by passion, skill, and resilience. As BCCI looks to nurture new talent with Gill at the helm in Whites, the legacy of Kohli’s passion will continue to inspire the next generation.