Aakash Chopra opens up on India’s potential squad for 2027 ODI World Cup

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on India’s potential squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Chopra reckons there shouldn’t be too many changes to India’s squad and most of the 2023 ODI World Cup players should retain their respective places.

The renowned commentator said the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be part of the squad. He believes Yashasvi Jaiswal can replace Rohit Sharma if the latter fails to perform consistently. Chopra believes the selectors might have to dig deeper to replace a big player like Virat Kohli if he doesn’t perform consistently.

The former Delhi batter said KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Shreyas Iyer will also be part of the World Cup squad.

“Not a lot, actually. If Rohit Sharma keeps scoring runs, he should be there. Virat Kohli, at No. 3, should be there. Where will you get a bigger ODI player than him? It’s South Africa, you will need good batters there. Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya should be there. One of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja should be there,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“Some other bowler should come in place of Mohammad Shami. Kuldeep Yadav should be there. Arshdeep Singh’s name might come to my mind. I am not seeing too many changes. If Rohit Sharma’s form wavers, Yashasvi Jaiswal will be in my thoughts. If Virat Kohli’s form wavers, we will have to think a little deeper,” he added.

Chopra added that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be judged accordingly to their personal form in the 50-overs format.

“I understand what you are saying. I totally get why you are saying that. Since both are legends, you go the same way. I do get it that there is a difference in age, fitness, and even in numbers. So, ideally, both should be seen differently, and both will be judged differently,” he said.

“Leave what has happened thus far, but going forward, both will be judged on their respective individual form. If you feel they shouldn’t be judged, whoever is playing for India will be judged, and there is nothing wrong in it. I don’t think both will come and leave together now. Whoever scores runs will keep playing,” Chopra observed.

While Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an impressive average of 48.77, Kohli has aggregated 14,181 runs in 302 ODI games at a stunning average of 57.88; thus, their records speak for themselves.