Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not playing for India ‘A’ at this stage of their international careers. Ashwin said that the selection of this experienced pair for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 should depend on their form and dedication in domestic cricket.
Virat and Rohit have been included in the ODI team for the upcoming Australia tour. They are entering the series after a long gap, with their most recent appearance in competitive cricket being the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Both players are currently participating only in ODI cricket at the international level.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not in our 2027 World Cup – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should prove their commitment by playing domestic cricket to remain in India’s World Cup plans.
Ashwin said, “There is nothing worth speaking about Rohit’s captaincy. But is he the direction for the 2027 World Cup? That is the question the selection committee and coaches will ask.”
“They had a candid discussion, and two things emerged: one, Kohli and Rohit are not in our 2027 World Cup plans; two, if they are indeed included, can they sustain their form till the ICC tournament in 2027? Both are big questions,” he said.
Rohit led India to consecutive ICC titles in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. However, selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir are assessing his role in India’s future plans and his ability to maintain the form till 2027 while playing only one format.
Players have been reluctant to play domestic cricket – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should participate in India A Series and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ashwin said this will help him gain match rhythm and show his commitment for the World Cup, adding that it will not determine his selection.
Ashwin further added, “If you need his services, you have to find a way. For example, the India ‘A’ series happened, so you have to ask him to play that series because there is not much 50-over cricket.”
“He should have said that if you don’t play the series, I don’t think you fit into the plan. If it’s not the series, he has to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will tell us what kind of form you are in.”
“I have heard that in the past, some players have been reluctant to play domestic cricket. Maybe they are not motivated to play in the India ‘A’ series, that could be the case. So, you should give them a chance. If you have given them a chance and they have said no, then that is obvious.”
Ajit Agarkar orders centrally contracted players to participate in domestic tournaments
During the team selection press conference, chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear that all centrally contracted players should participate in domestic tournaments whenever possible.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma included in Ranji Trophy 2024-25. BCCI has issued this instruction after India’s 1-3 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series.
Notably, Kohli and Rohit have been absent from domestic white-ball competitions, with their last Vijay Hazare Trophy appearances coming in 2010 and 2018 respectively.
Meanwhile, videos of the two senior players training were widely circulated on social media, fueling speculation that they still aspire to participate in the ICC World Cup 2027.
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