Ravichandran Ashwin stated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need to demonstrate commitment to India’s World Cup plans through domestic performances.
Ashwin Supports Selection Decisions, Urges Rohit and Kohli to Prove World Cup Commitment
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee faced criticism for replacing Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain, keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind. Similarly, the BCCI’s non-committal stance on Virat Kohli and Rohit’s World Cup participation, despite their inclusion in the upcoming Australia tour, drew attention. Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, however, defended both moves, urging the senior batters to demonstrate commitment to India’s World Cup plans through domestic tournaments.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin noted there was no question about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, highlighting his leadership in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy wins. However, he said selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir had to consider two critical factors: whether Rohit and Kohli are part of the 2027 World Cup plans, and if they can sustain their form until the tournament while playing only ODIs.
“There is nothing debatable to speak about Rohit’s captaincy. But is he the direction for the 2027 World Cup? That will be the question asked by the selection committee and the coach. They obviously had a discussion, and two things might have emerged: one, Kohli and Rohit are not in our 2027 World Cup plans; two, if they are indeed included, can they maintain their form until the ICC tournament in 2027? Both are big questions,” Ashwin said.
The veteran suggested that if selectors plan to include Kohli and Rohit, they should participate in the India A series and the Vijay Hazare Trophy to regain match rhythm. Participation would signal seriousness about the World Cup, even if it doesn’t directly determine selection.
“If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India ‘A’ series happened, so you need to ask them to play that series because there is not much 50-over cricket. They should have said that if you don’t play the series, I don’t think you fit in the plan. If not this series, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will let us know the kind of form you are in. I have heard that in the past, some players have been reluctant to play domestic cricket. Maybe they are not motivated to play in an India ‘A’ series, it could be the case. Therefore, you must give them the opportunity. If you have given them the chance and they said no, then it is clear. If the selector or the coach has told you that I want you to play this series, not for selection purposes, but only to get into the rhythm. It is only to show that they are serious about playing,” he added.
Ashwin concluded that the experience of Rohit and Kohli is invaluable and cannot simply be replaced. “I don’t think any selector or coach will have the heart to say that Virat and Rohit’s services are no longer needed. That experience cannot be bought in a store. You will have to be really gone wrong somewhere to say that you don’t need them. If there is any doubt about whether they will be able to make it to the 2027 World Cup, then I think the direction they have taken seems fair. You cannot go leading up to the World Cup with so many question marks,” he elaborated.
Ashwin backs Gill call
Amid speculation over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future, viral clips of their training sessions sparked fan theories about their readiness for the 2027 World Cup. Ravichandran Ashwin, however, offered a reality check, noting that training is an investment but doesn’t answer the selectors’ key question: can they sustain form until 2027?
Ashwin also defended the BCCI’s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, explaining that if Rohit were to become unfit next year, there would be little time to assess a new leader’s credentials.
“There is no doubt that both Rohit and Virat kohli want to be there (in the 2027 WC). The preparation that we are seeing from them is an investment they are putting into their bodies to be ready for the World Cup. Ajit Agarkar and other selectors won’t be sitting in a meeting saying that he has done the gym today, so let’s select him. That is not how it works,” Ashwin said.
“The selectors are saying, I have no problem, boss. Both Rohit and Virat have a place in the team based on their last ODI performances, but there is doubt whether they can make it to the 2027 World Cup or not. The selectors might say that if Rohit remains captain and he is unfit in 2026, we will not have enough time to groom a new leader. From a selection perspective, they have taken a rational decision,” he added.