Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes there is no reason why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should not feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s video show and through his personal channel ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ashwin described the relationship between veteran players and team management as “like a marriage.”
He argued that if the management wants them there and provides a supportive energy, their vast experience will be a vital asset for the national side.
The timing of the next 50-over showcase presents a unique challenge for India’s two most prolific modern batters. By the time the 14th edition of the Cricket World Cup begins in October and November 2027, Virat Kohli will be 38 years old, while Rohit Sharma will be 40.
Despite their age, Ashwin dismissed the notion that they need to “prove” their value, calling such a requirement laughable. He advised both players last October to participate in domestic matches to show their continued commitment to the ODI format.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, emphasized physical adaptation as the key to longevity. He noted that once a player crosses 32, the body changes, making specialized rehabilitation programmes essential. Just as
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Statistical dominance keeps veterans in World Cup contention
The case for their inclusion is backed by a consistency that has carried through their transition away from other formats. Both Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 Internationals following the 2024 T20 World Cup and stepped away from Test cricket in mid-2025. Since their specialized focus on One Day Internationals began, their numbers have remained elite.
Virat Kohli has been in superior form since his Test retirement, averaging 88 at a strike rate of 106.39 across nine ODIs. Rohit Sharma has also delivered substantial returns in that same period, maintaining an average of over 51 with a strike rate of 91.29.
Ashwin pointed out that Rohit still lacks a 50-over World Cup trophy and likely possesses the hunger to secure that final piece of silverware for the nation.
This situation mirrors other high-profile sporting transitions, such as when Salah faces career defining choices regarding his longevity at the highest level. In both cases, the value of a proven world-class performer remains a significant factor for team management to weigh against the potential of rising youth prospects.
Navigating hamstring injuries on the road to 2027
Physical fitness remains the primary hurdle for the veteran pair. Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan with a hamstring injury, with Yashasvi Jaiswal named as his replacement. Rohit Sharma has joined the squad for that series after recovering from his own hamstring trouble, which caused him to miss five matches for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026.
Ashwin noted that while Kohli’s baseline fitness has been great, Rohit must continue working diligently to keep himself “on the park.” The former offspinner believes that if the players see “good vibes” and total support from the selectors, they will be willing to put in double the hard work to survive the rigors of international travel and heavy schedules.
International cricket is entering a busy window where India is scheduled to play 20 more ODIs before early January 2027. This period will serve as a testing ground for the management’s long-term vision. Ashwin insists that the presence of such experienced figures makes the team “definitely stronger,” particularly when facing the bouncy conditions expected in South African venues like The Wanderers Stadium and Newlands.
Tournament structure poses a marathon challenge
The 2027 ODI World Cup will adopt a format that demands physical and mental endurance. Fourteen teams will be divided into two groups of seven, followed by a Super Six stage. Surviving this process requires a deep squad, but Ashwin maintains that the “sediment of doubt” often cast on senior players is misplaced if they are provided the right environment to thrive.
The competition will eventually culminate in semi-finals and a final, a stage where Rohit and Kohli’s history in high-pressure matches could prove decisive. For now, the selection policy appears focused on balancing the immediate need for runs with the reality of an aging roster. As long as the “marriage” between management and the players remains healthy, the 2027 dream remains a functional possibility.
