table of contents
Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the road to the ICC World Cup 2027 will not be easy for senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as fitness and form have become the main selection factors in the era of Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir.
Both Kohli and Rohit are still performing well in ODI cricket, but their recent hamstring injury problems have raised concerns over their future with the India national cricket team, as they have already retired from Test and T20I cricket and are now focusing only on the 50-over format.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma under fitness pressure
Virat Kohli recently suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final. Because of this he will not be able to take part in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma has also suffered a hamstring problem during the IPL 2026 season and has already missed five matches for Mumbai Indians.
Now, the Indian selectors would want both the veteran batsmen to be fit and available for every ODI series as the preparations for the ICC World Cup 2027 have already started and the young players are waiting for a chance in the team. However, Kohli’s fitness levels still inspire many.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s big warning for ICC World Cup 2027
Reacting to the situation, Ravichandran Ashwin has warned that fitness could decide the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The former Indian off-spinner admitted that Kohli is still fit, but pointed to Rohit’s recurring hamstring problem.
Ashwin warned his former Indian teammates that now even a minor injury can push the national selectors towards young players for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027 as there are already reports that the selectors want Rohit to retire from the game.
“Virat’s fitness has been fantastic. Rohit has had hamstring problems in the past. He needs to keep working on that to keep himself on the park. Because an injury to one of these two would mean an opportunity for the youngsters. And that can’t happen so close to the World Cup. So, Rohit needs to tick those boxes,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Ravichandran Ashwin as saying.
Form and fitness will decide the World Cup future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The former Indian all-rounder believes that even a minor injury or a slight dip in form at this level can change things rapidly for former captains and that is why every match and every fitness test becomes important for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma going forward.
Ashwin further explained, “Any kind of injury or slump could once again tilt the side and put a bit of pressure on both of them. It is important for both of them to embrace it. If the management wants both of them for the World Cup and if they have enough energy, then it is very possible to keep them on the park and use their experience. But if there is a thought that it could go the other way, then both of them will be under pressure.”
It should be like a marriage: Ashwin on role of management
He also feels that team management will play a very important role in this situation. If the management clearly supports Rohit and Virat Kohli and trusts their experience, it can help them stay motivated and give their best, but if not, their ODI World Cup dream may not come true.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “It should be like a marriage. The management would want both of them to be there with their best interests in mind. When they see that from the management, they will work twice as hard as they would otherwise. It’s a give and take, and good energy from both sides is paramount.”