Ashwin sees ‘no reason’ why Kohli and Rohit shouldn’t play 2027 ODI World Cup
The Future of Indian Cricket Legends
The conversation surrounding the longevity of Indian cricketing icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has intensified as the 2027 ODI World Cup approaches. With the tournament scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, fans and pundits alike are questioning whether the two stalwarts will be part of the squad. By the time the event kicks off, Kohli will be nearing 39, while Rohit will have crossed the 40-year mark. Despite these age-related concerns, former India offspinner R Ashwin has offered an insightful perspective on their potential participation.
The Analogy of a Marriage
Ashwin compared the potential continuation of these two legends to a marriage, emphasizing that success depends on a mutual give-and-take relationship between the players and the team management. According to Ashwin, their participation is not just about physical capability, but also about the atmosphere created by the selectors and the board. Ashwin sees ‘no reason’ why Kohli and Rohit shouldn’t play 2027 ODI World Cup, provided that there is collective belief and a clear strategy aimed at utilizing their vast experience.
“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 utilize their experience,” Ashwin noted. He stressed that if the team management genuinely desires their presence, the players will naturally feel motivated to put in the necessary extra work to stay at peak performance.
Navigating Fitness and Form
Physical fitness remains the primary hurdle for players in their late thirties and early forties. Ashwin acknowledged that injury management is a critical component of longevity. “At this age, injuries are par for the course. The body is not the same as it was when it was 35 and below. You need to adapt,” he explained. He suggested that with a scientifically constructed rehabilitation program and a supportive environment, both athletes could overcome these physical challenges.
The data supports their continued relevance to the team. Since 2025, Kohli and Rohit have been the top two run-scorers for India in the ODI format. Kohli has maintained an impressive average of 68.53, accumulating 891 runs with four centuries, while Rohit has contributed 711 runs at an average of 44.43. These figures demonstrate that their contributions are not merely sentimental but are backed by consistent performance on the field.
Why Experience Matters in South Africa
The 2027 tournament will be played in challenging overseas conditions. Ashwin believes that the experience held by Kohli and Rohit is invaluable for such a high-stakes competition. “Till you have experienced cricketers like Virat and Rohit in your side, 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 added.
Furthermore, there is a strong motivation for Rohit Sharma specifically, who has yet to secure a 50-over World Cup title. Ashwin believes that the desire to win another piece of silverware for the nation will drive Rohit to keep pushing his boundaries. While injury concerns—such as Kohli’s recent hamstring issue and Rohit’s ongoing management of his fitness—are present, the consensus remains that their presence strengthens the team significantly. As India prepares for the lead-up to 2027, the focus will likely shift to how the management plans to integrate these seasoned campaigners into the long-term vision for the national team.
