Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in the ODI World Cup 2027? Ravichandran Ashwin explains

Being a selector for the Indian cricket team is currently the most challenging job. India has a vast pool of talented players, yet selectors must choose a squad of only 15–17 for any given series or tournament. Moreover, it is fair to say that selecting the ODI squad is more difficult than picking teams for other formats. With the 2027 ODI World Cup just a year away, the Indian team is still searching for the right combination. This is the only format where both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently active, and the situation surrounding them is constantly evolving.

While both have expressed a desire to play in that World Cup, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir have remained non-committal regarding their participation in the marquee event.

In recent months, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also grappled with injury issues; notably, Virat missed the recent ODI series against Afghanistan. However, both are set to play in the upcoming ODI series against England, which begins on July 14. Yet, their presence means that players like Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal—who scored centuries in their previous matches—will likely miss out on a spot in the playing XI. In fact, Yashasvi Jaiswal has not even been included in the ODI squad for the England tour.

Some former cricketers believe the Indian team management should prioritise the team's overall benefit rather than focusing solely on Rohit and Virat. However, Ravichandran Ashwin has come out strongly in support of Kohli and Rohit. They want the management to clearly communicate to Rohit and Virat where they stand regarding the World Cup. If the management spells this out clearly, it would be highly beneficial for the team.

"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," Ashwin said. 

Additionally, he encouraged the selectors to decide on Rohit and Kohli's fates as soon as possible. He said that they should be fully supported and given the freedom to prepare without continual monitoring if the team management considers them as a vital component of India's World Cup ambitions. 

"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.

Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli will next feature against England from July 14, when the India vs England ODI series will occur. The ODI World Cup 2027 is set to be scheduled from October 4 to November 21, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.