Ashwin sees ‘no reason’ why Kohli and Rohit shouldn’t play 2027 ODI World Cup

The Crucial Partnership Between Players and Management

The debate surrounding the future of India’s legendary batting duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, has intensified as the cricketing world looks ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Scheduled to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October-November next year, the tournament will see Kohli approaching 39 years of age, while captain Rohit Sharma will be past 40. Despite the inevitable physical challenges that come with age, veteran Indian offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin sees ‘no reason’ why Kohli and Rohit shouldn’t play 2027 ODI World Cup, provided there is alignment between the players and the team management.

According to Ashwin, managing the twilight years of such iconic players is akin to a marriage. It requires a delicate balance of fitness, form, and, crucially, positive reinforcement from selectors and team management. ‘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,’ Ashwin shared during a recent video segment.

However, Ashwin warned that any friction or lack of clarity could place the players under immense duress. ‘But if there is a thinking that it might steer the other way, the players will be under duress,’ he observed, highlighting that a constructive and supportive environment is essential for aging athletes to perform at their best.

The Physical Toll of Aging in Elite Sport

Ashwin, speaking candidly about the physical realities of professional cricket, noted that the human body undergoes significant changes once a player crosses the age of 32, and even more so past 35. At this juncture, injuries become a natural part of a cricketer’s journey, demanding meticulous physical management.

‘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,’ Ashwin explained. He emphasized that trust and positive energy are critical: ‘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.’

This adaptation requires a collaborative effort. The selectors and team management must actively want Kohli and Rohit in their plans, keeping their best interests at heart. When players sense this level of faith, Ashwin believes they are motivated to put in double the hard work than they would otherwise to maintain their elite physical standards.

Statistical Dominance: Why Kohli and Rohit Remain Indispensable

While the physical demands are undeniable, the on-field performances of both Kohli and Rohit make a compelling case for their inclusion in the 2027 tournament. Having retired from T20Is in 2024 and subsequently stepping away from Test cricket the following year, both batsmen have channeled their focus entirely into the 50-over format.

Since 2025, Kohli and Rohit have occupied the top two spots on India’s run-scoring charts in One Day Internationals. Kohli, in particular, has exhibited extraordinary form during this period. He has amassed 891 runs at a stunning average of 68.53, registering four centuries and five half-centuries. Rohit has been equally instrumental at the top of the order, accumulating 711 runs at an average of 44.43, which includes two hundreds and four fifties.

These statistics underline their unmatched value to the ODI setup. Their experienced presence provides a solid foundation, especially when preparing for an away tournament in the challenging conditions of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The Road Ahead: Upcoming Schedule and Injury Management

India’s journey to the 2027 World Cup features 20 scheduled ODIs between now and early January 2027. This crucial preparation phase begins with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. However, both players are currently dealing with physical challenges that highlight Ashwin’s points about age and injury management.

Virat Kohli will miss the Afghanistan series due to a hamstring injury, though Ashwin remarks that Kohli’s overall fitness ‘has been great’ over the years. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has joined the squad but continues to work through fitness concerns. Rohit was recently sidelined for five matches for the Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026 due to a hamstring issue. Ashwin pointed out that Rohit ‘needs to keep working on that to keep himself on the park.’

Rohit’s Ultimate Quest for World Cup Glory

One of the major driving forces for Rohit Sharma to push through to 2027 is the elusive 50-over World Cup trophy. ‘He doesn’t have a 50-over World Cup in his kitbag yet,’ Ashwin commented regarding the Indian captain. ‘I think he wants to go there to the 2027 World Cup and showcase that, and win yet another silverware for himself and for the nation. I think he has also done enough to warrant a place, going all the way till that end.’

Ultimately, Ashwin believes that India must utilize the immense wealth of experience both players offer. ‘Till you have experienced cricketers like Virat and Rohit in your side, and in your ranks, going for an away World Cup in a country like South Africa, I think you should extract as much experience as you can from those,’ he concluded. By fostering a supportive ‘give and take’ relationship between the players and management, India can ensure that their two greatest modern-day batsmen are primed to lead the charge in 2027.