"Nice Script, But I Wasn’t in It!": Ashwin Slams Parody Account Over False Virat Kohli Retirement Claim

India's famous off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, recently responded with a sarcastic comment to a parody account on X. The account falsely claimed that Ashwin had revealed when Virat Kohli planned to retire.

"As far as I know Rohit is targeting 2027 odi wc while you may see Virat Kohli hanging up his boots soon because he wants to spend more time with his young family that is what Virat discussed to me few months back," An X user shared a quote, alleging that Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"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?" In response, Ashwin remarked with a touch of sarcasm.

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? https://t.co/Kf2worJI30

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 8, 2025

Last year, Rohit and Kohli retired from T20Is after India’s triumphant win at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados against South Africa. Recently, there have been rumors about both veterans retiring from the ODI format as well. However, several former cricketers believe that Kohli should continue for another two to three years, given the excellent fitness standards he has maintained.

Ashwin Praises Iyer’s Impact on Kohli

At the same time, Ashwin has praised Shreyas Iyer for reducing pressure on Kohli by scoring at a rapid pace. He stated that the duo supplements each other's energy, and they form a tough team.

“For me, the game-changer will be Shreyas Iyer. It is because of his recent form. This guy has had an excellent 2023 World Cup. He has batted well against New Zealand. He has played well at the Wankhede in Mumbai. And once again, in this tournament, he has looked crackerjack," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat'.

“He has worked well on his short-ball game as well. Of course, he got out in the last game. But it shouldn’t matter. I think this is Shreyas Iyer’s biggest strength. He wants to get better at what he is not good at,” he added.

“The way he plays, it helps Virat Kohli. There was a question with Gauti in the press conference. What was the conversation with Virat? Because he got out against a leg-spinner. Gauti gave an amazing answer. A guy has played 300 games. Obviously, he will get out. But apart from that, there is one thing: Virat Kohli is able to play the way he is playing because Shreyas Iyer is playing this way against spin," said Ashwin.

“So, the captains are in a catch-22 situation. There will be a partnership between Shreyas and Virat. When there is a partnership between Virat and Shreyas, the captains can’t enforce a spin choke. Shreyas is removing all the pressure from Virat. So, these two in the middle overs have forged a formidable pair. And for Virat’s success, Shreyas Iyer has played a part in it. And for Shreyas’s success, Virat has a part in it. Because this is what people call playing in partnerships," he added.

Kohli is India's top run-scorer in the tournament, with Iyer trailing closely. Kohli, however, was dismissed early due to an acrobatic catch by Glenn Phillips, while Iyer scored a half-century against the Kiwis, helping India put up a strong total in their group stage match.

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