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The future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI team has become one of the most talked about topics in Indian cricket. With the ICC World Cup 2027 taking place next year, questions are constantly being raised whether the two senior stars will be a part of India’s plans for the tournament.
While both Kohli and Rohit have made it clear that they want to end their international careers with the 2027 ODI World Cup, the BCCI and the team management have refused to guarantee their places. And then again, Rohit’s fitness concerns have made things uncertain at this stage.
Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma’s future in 2027 ODI World Cup under question
Amidst 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 should take this decision now and stand firmly with them.
The former spinner believes that a big tournament like the World Cup cannot be won on the strength of young players alone. He emphasized that the experienced cricketer, who has faced pressure many times on the big stage, will make a big difference when the team needs him most.
For quite some time now, both Kohli and Rohit have been facing constant scrutiny regarding their future. However, Ashwin believes that this uncertainty should end if the selectors have already decided that both the legends will remain a part of India’s plans for the ICC World Cup 2027.
Ashwin sent a strong message to the Indian selectors and team management
The former Indian off-spinner has sought clarity so that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can start preparing for the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“Personally, I think if you want to go to South Africa and compete in the World Cup, there will be a need for experienced batsmen,” Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“If you want them, decide now and make them feel completely comfortable and confident over the next year. There should not be a situation where, after two failures, questions arise again. If you want them, support them and give them complete clarity.”
Ashwin backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup:
Personally, I think if you want to go to South Africa and compete in the World Cup, you need experienced batsmen. If you want them, decide 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 T20 and Test cricket. Both have already expressed their desire to stay till 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 opening batsman
Even Shubman Gill has not given any clear answer about who will open the batting with Rohit Sharma in the ODI series to be held in England next month after India’s 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 team and fitness reports. So, the opening slot is wide and open. Both Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal are in excellent form and are strongly pushing their claims for a place in the team. With competition increasing, Rohit Sharma’s position as an opening batsman is no longer secure.