Will Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma become coaches after retirement? Ashwin predicts contrasting futures

Ashwin feels Rohit Sharma could eventually find a role with Mumbai Indians, while Virat Kohli may take a different route.

Published on: Aug 14, 2026, 07:45:38 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up on the possibility of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma taking up coaching roles in the future. The two batting stalwarts currently feature only in ODIs, with next year’s World Cup widely expected to be their final appearance in the tournament. Their eventual retirement would leave a huge void in Indian cricket, both on and off the field. Given their vast experience and understanding of the game, there has already been speculation about whether they could eventually move into coaching. Ashwin, who has shared the dressing room with both players for several years, offered his thoughts on the possibility and what their next chapter could look like.

Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma coaching future: Ashwin reveals what he expects after their retirement (ANI Pic Service)

Ashwin believes neither Kohli nor Rohit is likely to jump straight into coaching after retirement, with the former India off-spinner suggesting both may prefer to step away from the game initially. However, he feels Rohit could eventually find a role with Mumbai Indians, while Kohli may take a different route.

“I don’t think Virat will be ready to become a coach immediately," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “I think both have worked a lot. Maybe Rohit Sharma could come into the Mumbai Indians in some capacity. I don’t know about Virat, honestly—Virat will probably want to take a break, in my opinion," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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Kohli has already offered some clues about what his life after cricket could look like. He has largely stayed out of the limelight in recent years, having retired from Tests and T20Is and also moved to London with his family. He now travels to India primarily for ODI assignments and remains committed to the format, with next year’s World Cup firmly in his sights.

Ashwin predicts Rohit to follow Dravid's footsteps

Ashwin feels Rohit’s cricketing acumen could make him an important part of Mumbai Indians’ setup even after retirement. Rather than taking up the demanding role of head coach straight away, he suggested the former captain could take a break before returning in a different capacity. Ashwin pointed to Rahul Dravid’s journey as an example of how players can step away before taking on a new role in the game

“If tomorrow Rohit decides ‘I won’t play,’ Mumbai Indians should immediately absorb him," Ashwin said. “A captain who won five titles and led India to a World Cup, you won’t find such people. If he doesn’t want to be head coach because it’s a labor-intensive role, but after a one-two year break, he’ll be ready to take up a role. Like Rahul bhai took a break and then came back to work. So I think they should immediately absorb such cricketers and not let them go. And knowing the Mumbai Indians, they won’t let go of a player with Rohit Sharma’s thinking capacity," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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