“Pretty straightforward”- R Ashwin on Rohit-Kohli’s inclusion in India’s 2027 World Cup squad; says no need to put pressure on them

Rohit and Kohli continue to play ODIs for India after retiring from Tests and T20Is.

By Jatin Sharma - 11 Jun, 2026

Former India spinner R. Ashwin has given his take on veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in India’s 2027 ICC World Cup squad. He stated that their inclusion is pretty straightforward and stated that they shouldn’t be put under pressure regarding their fitness.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still competing for spots in the Indian squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both players have maintained their form and level of fitness while growing older. Rohit will be forty years old, and Kohli will be thirty-nine when the quadrennial event starts.

But their form and intensity don't reflect any of it. To be prepared for the major event, the players have been batting effectively and managing their fitness levels.

"In my experience of how these things pan out, it is 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 is very much possible to keep them on the park and utilize their experience," Ashwin told ESPNcricinfo.

"But if there's a thought that it might steer the other way, the players will be under duress. And forgive me, I am no specialist; I am no medico scientist. I cannot say this with utmost authority, [but if] there is a proper rehab program and there is something that is constructed around what they want to do, and if there are good vibes from the other half, the players will manage to make it," Ashwin added.

Rohit Sharma has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three ODIs against Afghanistan, while Virat Kohli will miss this series due to a hamstring injury. Rohit’s inclusion is subject to his clearing the medical and fitness tests at the BCCI CoE.

The three-ODI series begins on June 13 in Dharamshala.

By Jatin Sharma - 11 Jun, 2026

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