R Ashwin backs Virat Kohli amid poor form but highlights ‘one thing I would be worried about is…’

R Ashwin backs Virat Kohli amid poor form (AP Photo)

People will start "pointing fingers" at Virat Kohli if he fails yet another time in the third ODI against Australia, according to former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Kohli was dismissed for consecutive ducks in the series thus far, and his poor performance has sparked speculation about his future.

However, former India captain Rohit Sharma returned to form, scoring a gritty 73. In addition to expressing his hope that Kohli will make a strong comeback like Rohit, Ashwin also voiced his worry about the harsh criticism that could follow with another underwhelming performance.

"I really hope he comes back and gets a score in Sydney. What happened to Rohit today (Thursday), Virat Kohli needs it in Sydney because, in India, we don't discuss why we lost; more often, we discuss because of whom we lost. Before people start pointing fingers, I hope Virat scores the runs," Ashwin said on his YouTube show.

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Ashwin added that he was "worried" about how Kohli was dismissed by Australia pacer Xavier Bartlett. The former Indian spinner noted that Kohli's failure to accurately assess the ball's line led to his removal, which could pose a serious problem for the star batsman in the future.

"One thing I would be worried about is Virat actually missed the line of the ball. Virat planted his foot in line with the ball. That is telling me a story that he needs time in the middle. In Sydney, there is no reason why Virat should not make runs. But I think he would be thinking very deeply about how he got out in the last two games. It is not going to be easy, but I hope Virat gets out of it," Ashwin said.