Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dismissed suggestions that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma cannot be part of India’s squad for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, arguing that both players remain capable of competing at the highest level despite ongoing discussions about India’s next generation.
Speaking on the subject of India’s long-term ODI plans, Ashwin questioned why the pair should be ruled out of contention so far in advance of the cricket tournament, which is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November 2027.
“Why not?” Ashwin said when discussing the possibility of Kohli and Rohit featuring at the event, pushing back against assumptions that age alone should determine their futures.
The comments come just weeks after both players retired from T20 internationals following India’s successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign. While they remain active in ODI cricket, speculation has continued over whether India’s selectors will gradually move towards a younger core before the next 50-over World Cup.
Reading time: 3 minutes
India’s ODI Future Remains Unclear
Kohli and Rohit have been central figures in India’s white-ball setup for more than a decade. Between them, they have scored over 28,000 ODI runs and played key roles in multiple ICC tournaments.
Despite concerns surrounding age, neither player has announced plans to retire from the ODI format. With more than two years remaining until the next World Cup, selectors are expected to continue assessing performances rather than making immediate decisions on senior players.
India’s ODI calendar over the next two seasons is likely to provide a clearer picture of how the squad evolves. Younger players will continue pushing for opportunities, but experience remains a significant factor in major ICC events.
What It Means for India’s World Cup Planning
Ashwin’s remarks highlight a wider debate within Indian cricket. The challenge for selectors is balancing succession planning with retaining proven performers who have repeatedly delivered on the biggest stages.
Both Kohli and Rohit enjoyed strong ODI World Cup campaigns in 2023 and remain among India’s most recognisable international cricketers. Their fitness, workload management and form over the next two years are likely to determine whether they remain serious candidates for 2027.
For now, Ashwin believes the conversation should remain open.
With the next ODI World Cup still more than two years away, India’s selectors have time on their side. Whether Kohli and Rohit ultimately make the squad remains uncertain, but Ashwin has made it clear he sees no reason to rule them out yet.
Readers can follow player developments through Players, track India’s upcoming fixtures via Matches, and monitor major ICC events through Tournaments.
This article provides information and analysis, not betting advice. All betting carries risk, and losses are more likely than guaranteed returns. Please make independent decisions and bet responsibly.
Macaela Becker
Macaela is an iGaming writer who covers sports betting, casino platforms, and industry news. She researches betting markets, odds, and bonuses to create clear, practical guides.
She focuses on helping you stay informed while making betting easier to understand.
