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‘Virat Ran Up To Him And Said…’ Ravi Ashwin Reveals How Kohli Foiled Akash Deep’s Rhythm

Aakash Saini

Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x]Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x]

Ravichandran Ashwin recently made an explosive claim about how a certain Virat Kohli advice for an Indian fast bowler backfired in Australia. Team India recently toured Australia for a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series, only to concede the title by a 1-3 margin to the hosts despite taking an early lead back in November.

During the third Test of the series at The Gabba in Brisbane, Ashwin revealed that Kohli walked up to Akash Deep at one stage of the latter’s spell to offer an advice. According to the former Indian spinner, Kohli’s advice disrupted Akash’s momentum, as the speedster subsequently got flicked and pulled by the Australian batters.

Ravi Ashwin reveals Virat Kohli advice that backfired

While speaking at the AWS AI Conclave 2025, Ravichandran Ashwin claimed that Akash Deep was bowling a “fabulous spell” at the Gabba. Ashwin, who was watching the match from the sidelines, revealed that he saw Virat Kohli go up to the Indian speedster and advised him to bowl straighter.

Claiming that the advice backfired for Akash Deep, Ashwin stated that bowlers should “not be disturbed”, especially when they are in the middle of excellent bowling spells. He said:

“In the recently concluded Test series. Akash Deep was bowling a fabulous spell at The Gabba. He was probably bowling the best at The Gabba. He was going through a wonderful spell of 3-4 overs. I was watching the game from outside. 

No offence. I saw Virat (Kohli) run up to him and said 'Seedha daalo yaar (bowl straight buddy)' and immediately out came a fielder and he went to leg gully. Akash Deep bowled on the body and a couple of balls down the leg side, got flicked, got pulled, and his rhythm went awry.”

“So why does this happen? In Virat's head he thought 'That is uncomfortable for me so you do that against Steve Smith, you are going to get him out'. Now, bowling is very different. If you understand a bowler, you know he is going through a right spell. Do not disturb him, allow him to build on his spell.”

Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement following the conclusion of the Brisbane affair after rains enforced a drawn result.

The legendary off-spinner made his exit from the sport as India’s second highest wicket-taker after former captain Anil Kumble. Ashwin claimed 537 Test wickets in his 106-match career at a stupendous career average of 24. The cricketer recorded 37 five-wicket hauls in the process.

The 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning member also snared 228 additional wickets in ODIs and T20Is combined.