New Delhi,jun 11
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, saying their experience and presence would make India a stronger side despite both veterans approaching the twilight of their careers.The World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027, would see Kohli nearing 39 years of age and Rohit crossing 40. However, Ashwin believes age alone should not be a barrier if the players remain fit and continue receiving support from the team management.”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 utilise their experience,” Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo’s video show.Ashwin stressed that a combination of fitness management and backing from selectors and team management would be crucial in helping the two senior batters extend their ODI careers.”And forgive me, I’m no specialist, I’m no medico scientist, I can’t say this with utmost authority, [but if] there is a proper rehab programme, and there is something that’s constructed around what they want to do, and if there is good vibes from the other half, the players will manage to make it,” he said.”But if there is any sediment of doubt that’s trusted upon them, the players are going to find it harder because at this age, injuries are par for the course. The body is not the same as it was when it was 35 and below; it’s not the same when you cross 32 itself.”The former spinner compared the relationship between players and management to a partnership, saying both sides must work together if the goal is to have Kohli and Rohit available for the next World Cup.”So I think it’s a bit of a give and take. I think good energy from both sides is very critical for both of them to make it happen to get to the 2027 50-over World Cup,” Ashwin said, as per ESPNcricinfo. “And having said that, I see no reason why they mustn’t be there. They make your team definitely stronger with their presence and their experience of those conditions,” he added.Having retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025, Kohli and Rohit have focused solely on the ODI format. Kohli has enjoyed an outstanding run since 2025, scoring 891 runs at an average of 68.53, including four centuries and five fifties. Rohit has also remained productive, accumulating 711 runs at 44.43 with two hundreds and four half-centuries.
