Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on ODI future of team India veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He believes that the chances of RoKo featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup will largely depend on the support they receive from the team management and their ability to maintain fitness levels over the next few years. By the time the tournament is held in South Africa in 2027, Kohli will be 39 years old while Rohit will be 40.
Speaking about their prospects, Ashwin said the situation was pretty straightforward. “If the Indian team management wants the experienced duo to be part of the World Cup plans and there is positive support around them, their experience can still be valuable at the global event”, he said.
Ashwin suggested that the environment around the players would play a major role in determining whether they can continue at the highest level until 2027. He said that if there is a different line of thinking within the system, the players could come under pressure. The former spinner also noted that maintaining fitness and having a clear plan in place would be critical for senior players like Ro-Ko aiming to compete in another World Cup cycle.
The two batting stalwarts have been performing consistently in the 50-over format and remain among India’s most experienced players. They have been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, which begins on June 13. The series is expected to provide another opportunity for the senior duo to continue building towards future international assignments.
India’s squad for the ODI series includes Shubman Gill as captain, alongside Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey.