Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reckons the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might not be motivated to play for India A and the domestic circuit. However, as the duo is only playing ODIs, Ashwin reckons it is difficult to judge their form and fitness ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The experienced pair has been selected for the three-match ODI series against Australia. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said he is non-committal regarding Rohit and Virat’s selection for the ODI showpiece.

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.

“If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India ‘A’ series happened, so you need to ask them to play that series because there is not much 50-over cricket. They should have said that if you don’t play the series, I don’t think you fit in the plan. If not this series, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will let us know the kind of form you are in,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“I have heard in the past that sometimes players do not like to play domestic cricket. Maybe they are not motivated to play in an India ‘A’ series, it could be the case. So, you have to give them the opportunity. If you have given them the chance and they said no, then it is clear. The management must tell them to show that they are serious. I don’t think any selector or coach will have it in them to say that Virat and Rohit’s services are no longer needed. That experience you cannot buy in a store. You will have to be really gone wrong somewhere to say that you don’t need them. If there is any doubt as to whether they will be able to make it until the 2027 World Cup, then I think the direction they have taken seems to be fair. You cannot go leading up to the World Cup with so many question marks,” he elaborated.

Ashwin added that Rohit and Virat want to be part of the ODI World Cup and thus they are putting in the hard yards.

“There is no doubt that both Rohit and Virat want to be there (in the 2027 WC). The preparation that we are seeing from them, it is an investment they are putting into their bodies to be ready for the World Cup. Ajit Agarkar and other selectors won’t be sitting in a meeting saying that he has done the gym today, so let’s select him. That is not how it works,” Ashwin said.

Ashwin highlighted that the selectors will take a call on the duo’s future depending on their performances and form in the upcoming matches.

“The selectors are saying, I have no problem, boss. Both Rohit and Virat have a place in the team based on their last ODI performances, but there is doubt whether they can make it to the 2027 World Cup or not. The selectors might say that if Rohti remains captain and he is unfit in 2026, we will not have enough time to groom a new leader. From a selection perspective, they have taken a rational decision,” he added.

Kohli and Rohit will be seen in action in a three-match ODI series against Australia.