Ravichandran Ashwin backs Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma for the ODI World Cup 2027

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that if the management tells Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli that they are needed for the 2027 ODI World Cup, both players will put in the extra effort to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the mega event. Currently, both Rohit and Virat are grappling with injuries; consequently, Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan starting on June 13. However, Rohit Sharma has regained his fitness and has already cleared his fitness test at the COE; he is fully prepared for the ODI series and has joined the squad. 

"In my experience of how these things pan out, it's pretty straightforward: if the management wants both of them at the 50-over World Cup in South Africa, and if there is enough energy around it, it's very much possible to keep them on the park and utilise their experience. But if there is a thinking that it might steer the other way, the players will be under duress," Ashwin said.

"And forgive me, I'm no specialist, I'm no medico scientist, I can't say this with utmost authority, [but if] there is a proper rehab programme, and there is something that's constructed around what they want to do, and if there is good vibes from the other half, the players will manage to make it," he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin emphasised the need for alignment among the former Indian captains, the selectors, and the team management as the 'Men in Blue' gear up for the marquee event.

"But if there is any sediment of doubt that's trusted upon them, the players are going to find it harder because at this age, injuries are par for the course. The body is not the same as it was when it was 35 and below; it's not the same when you cross 32 itself. So [at] every stage you need to adapt. And with that in place, it is like a marriage, both of them bring something to the table. The management and the selectors will have to want them being there, [and will] want the best interest in their minds for these players to be able to get there," Ashwin said.

"And from the players' side, when they see that from the management, they would put double the hard work than they would otherwise. So I think it's a bit of a give and take. I think good energy from both sides is very critical for both of them to make it happen to get to the 2027 50-over World Cup. And having said that, I see no reason why they mustn't be there. They make your team definitely stronger with their presence and their experience of those conditions," he added.

With the start of the series against Afghanistan, the Indian team will also begin preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are regarded as two of the greatest batsmen in this format, and their statistics fully substantiate this view. Team India is set to play approximately 20 ODIs until early January 2027, where the duo's objective will be not only to amass a mountain of runs but also to instil winning momentum in the team for the World Cup year.