NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the recent debates surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in the ODI setup. Ashwin fully supports the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selection committee’s strategic decisions, while urging these seasoned batters to prove their unwavering commitment and form for the 2027 World Cup through domestic tournaments.
Speaking candidly on his personal YouTube channel, Ashwin acknowledged Rohit’s commendable achievements as captain, having successfully led India to victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, he highlighted that the selectors’ primary focus now shifts to comprehensive long-term planning and ensuring sustained performance ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Ashwin explained, “There is nothing debatable to speak about Rohit’s captaincy. But is he the right direction for the 2027 World Cup? That will be the fundamental question posed by the selection committee and the coaching staff. They’ve clearly had internal discussions, and two key possibilities might have emerged: firstly, that Kohli and Rohit might not be part of the 2027 World Cup plans; and secondly, if they are considered, a crucial question arises – can they consistently maintain their peak form until the ICC tournament in 2027? Both are significant considerations.”
The veteran off-spinner proposed that active participation in prestigious domestic tournaments, such as the India A series or the Vijay Hazare Trophy, would be instrumental for the esteemed duo. This would not only allow them to regain their match rhythm but also clearly signal their profound commitment to playing for the national team.
He further elaborated, “If the team truly requires their services, a pathway must be established, and they must be given the genuine opportunity to prove themselves. If they’ve been offered this chance and declined, then the situation becomes unequivocally clear. If the selector or the coach explicitly states, ‘I want you to play this specific series, not primarily for selection, but solely to get into your rhythm,’ then it serves as a powerful demonstration of their seriousness towards competing at the highest level.”
Ashwin also stressed that selectors would understandably be reluctant to dismiss players of Rohit and Virat’s caliber lightly, given their immense experience and contributions to the sport. “I don’t think any selector or coach will have the heart to definitively say that Virat and Rohit’s services are no longer needed… You simply cannot head into a World Cup with such substantial uncertainties and question marks hanging over the team,” he remarked.
Regarding the recent change in the ODI captaincy, Ashwin voiced his support for Shubman Gill’s appointment, providing a logical explanation for the decision. “The selectors might have reasoned that if Rohit continues as captain and faces fitness issues in 2026, there wouldn’t be sufficient time to adequately groom a new leader. From a strategic selection perspective, they have made a rational and well-thought-out decision,” Ashwin concluded.
Ashwin’s comments encapsulate a pragmatic philosophy: honoring the legacy and respecting the cricketing prowess of these legends, while simultaneously ensuring that India’s overarching long-term World Cup strategy remains firmly on course, with consistent domestic performances serving as a critical barometer of their continued commitment and peak form.