Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s futures in India’s ODI team have become one of the hottest topics in Indian cricket. With the ICC World Cup 2027 scheduled next year, questions are constantly being raised about whether the two senior stars will be part of India’s plans for the tournament.
While both Kohli and Rohit have made it clear that they want to finish their international careers with the 2027 ODI World Cup, the BCCI and the team management refused to give a guarantee on their spots. And then, Rohit’s fitness concerns have made things uncertain at this stage.
Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma’s 2027 ODI World Cup future under scanner
Amid all the discussion, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come forward with a strong opinion. Ashwin believes that if India wants Kohli and Rohit to play the 2027 ICC World Cup, then the team management must make that decision now and stand firmly behind them.
The former spinner feels that a major tournament like the World Cup cannot be won only with young players. He stressed that the experienced cricketers, who have handled pressure many times on the big stage, will make a huge difference when the team needs them the most.
For a long time now, both Kohli and Rohit have been facing constant scrutiny over their future. However, Ashwin believes that this uncertainty should end if the selectors have already decided that the two legends remain part of India’s plans for the ICC World Cup 2027.
Ashwin sends strong message to Indian selectors and team management
The former Indian off-spinner has demanded clarity so that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can start preparations for the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Personally, I think if you want to go to South Africa and compete in the World Cup, experienced batters will be needed.”
“If you want them, then make the decision now and make them feel absolutely comfortable and confident over the next year. It should not be a situation where, after two failures, the question comes up again. If you want them, back them and give them complete clarity.”
🚨 Ashwin backed Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup:
Personally, I think if you want to go to South Africa and compete in the World Cup, experienced batters will be needed. if you want them, then make the decision now and make them feel absolutely comfortable and… pic.twitter.com/XyODyNMtMh
— TEJASH 🚩 (@LoyleRohitFan) June 23, 2026
Kohli and Rohit are playing only ODI cricket after retiring from T20I and Test cricket. Both have already expressed their desire to continue until the 2027 World Cup. At the same time, India is preparing players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the future.
Shubman Gill refuses to confirm Rohit Sharma as opener
Even Shubman Gill has not given any clear answer about who will open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma in the upcoming ODI series in England next month after India’s dominant 3-0 ODI series win over Afghanistan.
He said that the final playing XI will be decided only after the selectors and team management review the squad and fitness reports. So, the opening slot is wide and open. Both Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been in stunning form and are strongly pushing their case for a place in the team. With competition heating up, Rohit Sharma’s position as opener is no longer safe.
Go to Source
Author: Rashmi Wasnik
