Ahead of the ICC World Cup 2027, India is still searching for their ideal playing combinations as uncertainty continues over the futures of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

The seasoned pair has previously stated that they would like to participate in the 2027 World Cup, particularly after retiring from other formats and concentrating only on ODIs.

After continuing to perform regularly in the IPL and maintaining great form in ODIs, Kohli seems to be in a stronger position. His performances have bolstered his case for another World Cup campaign and reaffirmed his significance to the team.

Meanwhile, Rohit has a more difficult journey ahead of him. There are still concerns about his dependability and capacity to establish a regular spot on the team, despite his extensive experience and leadership qualifications.

The upcoming months may be critical in deciding if both mainstays make the World Cup squad as competition for berths intensifies.

Amidst the mounting controversy around Kohli and Rohit's World Cup prospects, former India spinner R Ashwin has publicly endorsed them. Ashwin emphasized the value of experience in a competition as competitive as the World Cup in South Africa and questioned the foundation of the rumors surrounding the seasoned pair.

"This speculation about Rohit or Virat is not good. In all honesty, where does the speculation come from? Somewhere, it is in someone's mind that they should not go to the World Cup. I don't know who those people are. Some people will have that doubt, and somebody else wants them to be in the squad. I personally think you need experienced batters to play the World Cup in South Africa," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin further asked the national selectors to make a clear decision about Kohli and Rohit as early as possible. He stated that if team management wants the duo to be part of the 2027 World Cup plans, they should be backed wholeheartedly.

"If you want them, make a decision now and make them feel absolutely comfortable and confident over the next year. If you do not make the decision now, it becomes difficult as the same thing will keep coming back after every one or two failures," he added.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will next be in action when India takes on England in a series of three ODIs, starting July 14.