Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin said the speculation regarding Kohli and Rohit’s ODI future is not good for Indian cricket.
Ashwin said the chatter regarding their places in the ODI team originates from someone’s mind, who thinks they shouldn’t part of the team.
Meanwhile, Kohli recently missed the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury, which he suffered in the IPL final against Gujarat Titans.
Kohli has returned to the ODI squad for England ODIs, but his participation will be subject to fitness clearance. On the other hand, Rohit was also troubled by hamstring problems during IPL 2026, and he missed five matches for Mumbai Indians.
Rohit returned with scores of 16, 48, and 79 in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “This speculation about Rohit or Virat is not good. In all honesty, where does the speculation come from? Somewhere, it is in someone’s mind that they should not go to the World Cup. I don’t know who those people are. Some people will have that doubt, and somebody else wants them to be in the squad. I personally think you need experienced batters to play the World Cup in South Africa.
“If you want them, make a decision now, and make them feel absolutely comfortable and confident over the next one year. If you do not make the decision now, it becomes difficult as the same thing will keep coming back after every one or two failures,” he added.
On the other hand, Ashwin said it is imperative for the team management to make up their mind regarding Rohit and Virat’s role in the side.
Ashwin concluded, “There is still time. I think we are about 14-15 months away from the World Cup. Make up your mind now about what you want. If you want them, make both the players comfortable and prepare them. Physical fitness is important at this age, and it should be managed.”
The veteran duo will be seen in action in the ODI series against England.
