Ravichandran Ashwin, former India spinner feel that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can still play for the country in 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. When asked about how Ashwin and Jadeja can handle their age factor, he added: Moreover, they take care of good fitness.”
2027 ODI World Cup: Dates and venue ( South Africa, Zimbabwe & Namibia) Virat Kohli will be almost 39 years old by the time the tournament starts and Rohit Sharma would have already turned 40. But not all like Ashwin seem believe that India should close the door on these veteran stars as many fans and experts are discussing if either would still be in India’s plans.
Ashwin was speaking during a recent interaction on ESPNcricinfo and admitted that the future of both players (other than their actual form as well as fitness) does not depend solely upon readiness. He also felt that it all would depend on the mental makeup of not only the players but also with regards to how confident are team management and selectors.
Ashwin said it is similar to a marriage both sides must compromise. He says if the management wants Kohli and Rohit to be part of the World Cup squad, all they need is motivation in form from their surroundings.
Experienced players need it less, but they develop very specific use patterns and personnel through careful programming. If the athlete is still competing after 35, injuries are much more frequent and things need to be adapted constantly in order not only keep on going but perform at a very high level. But Ashwin said: “If there are enough support systems and the work load is managed, both can still compete.
Ashwin listed the doubts from management as a significant challenge. Age alone presents plenty of physical challenges for veteran players, and uncertainty about their future could only exacerbate that pressure. Selectors or coaches who trust and encourage them inspire much harder work.
Ashwin mentioned that Kohli and Rohit continue to be invaluable for India. Their experience of high-pressure tournaments, knowledge of these conditions and captaincy skills make them a valuable resource to have in their group considering they are away for an overseas World Cup in difficult South African conditions.
The former spinner pointed out that India should continue benefiting from the experience of these senior cricketers for as long as possible. He believes players of their caliber can help younger teammates and strengthen the overall squad.
Both Kohli and Rohit finished off their T20 International careers after the 2024 success in T20 World Cup for India. Later in 2025, they withdrew from Test cricket to focus solely on the ODI format. Both of them have since enjoyed regular One-Day success.
Virat Kohli is also India’s top scorer in ODIs (in the year so far… since Jan 2023). He has scored 891 runs at a big average of 68.53 with four centuries and five half-centuries. With that, he once again reminded everyone that he is still one of the best ODI batters in the world with his incredible consistency and ability to hold innings together.
Rohit Sharma has also played a huge role in this period. The captain of the Indian team has 711 runs at an average of 44.43 which includes two centuries and four fifties. His numbers haven’t quite matched Kohli’s, but he remains one of the most critical players at the top.
Coming up, India have as many as 20 ODI matches lined-up before January 2027 so both these players will surely get enough chances to prepare for the World Cup. The ODI series against Afghanistan is the first step in that journey.
But nevertheless fitness remains a big subject. Kohli was out of the Afghanistan series because of a hamstring injury while Rohit recently returned from a similar injury to miss quite a number of matches for his IPL franchise, Delhi Daredevils in 2026.
Although Kohli’s fitness standard fell off a bit and at times he struggled with his body, Ashwin went on to praise the overall standards of fitness that others too have managed. He also pointed out that Rohit must continue to work on his fitness in order to be available for selection and perform at the level he once did.
Ashwin believes there’s still some unfinished business for Rohit in terms of ODI World Cups. Rohit has been hugely successful as a player and captain, but still awaits that 50-over World Cup trophy. Ashwin believes that the Indian captain will have enormous motivation to qualify for the 2027 tournament and try again to bid for cricket’s biggest prize.
In conclusion, Ashwin is sure that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can play the 2027 ODI World Cup. He thinks that with better fitness management, meaningful contributions and persistence from the team management behind them neither of India’s two modern-day legends is done yet on the biggest stage in world cricket.
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