Former India spinner R Ashwin has stated that BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar must make it clear to veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli that they must play for India A to remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup, mainly due to a lack of ODIs in the upcoming FTP.

This comes after Rohit and Kohli were included in the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour, the BCCI selectors replaced Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain with Shubman Gill, and have been slammed for their decision.

Ashwin recognized that there was no doubt regarding Rohit Sharma's captaincy, with the 38-year-old having guided India to two consecutive ICC titles—the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.  

He did, however, mention that the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir made their selections on Rohit and Virat Kohli based on two essential factors: whether they are part of the future plans, and if so, whether they can maintain their form till 2027 while only playing in one format.

"There is nothing debatable to speak about Rohit's captaincy. But is he the direction for the 2027 World Cup? That will be the question asked by the selection committee and the coach. They obviously had a discussion, and two things might have emerged: one, Kohli and Rohit are not in our 2027 World Cup plans; two, if they are indeed included, can they maintain their form until the ICC tournament in 2027? Both are big questions," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin suggested Rohit and Kohli play for India A and the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to remain in contention for the ICC World Cup 2027. Ashwin emphasized that playing in these matches would not directly impact their selection but would help players regain their rhythm for international matches, with their simple presence showing their commitment to the World Cup.

"If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India 'A' series happened, so you need to ask them to play that series because there is not much 50-over cricket. They should have said that if you don't play the series, I don't think you fit in the plan. If not this series, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will let us know the kind of form you are in. I have heard that in the past, some players have been reluctant to play domestic cricket.

Maybe they are not motivated to play in an India 'A' series; it could be the case. Therefore, you must give them the opportunity. If you have given them the chance and they said no, then it is clear. If the selector or the coach has told you that I want you to play this series, not for selection purposes, but only to get into the rhythm. It is only to show that they are serious about playing," he said.

"I don't think any selector or coach will have the heart to say that Virat and Rohit's services are no longer needed. That experience cannot be bought in a store. You will have to have really gone wrong somewhere to say that you don't need them. If there is any doubt about whether they will be able to make it to the 2027 World Cup, then I think the direction they have taken seems fair. You cannot go leading up to the World Cup with so many question marks," he added.

Ashwin also backed the BCCI's decision to choose Gill as the new ODI captain, stating that if Rohit becomes unfit next year, the selectors would have little time to evaluate the future leader's credentials.

"There is no doubt that both Rohit and Virat want to be there (in the 2027 WC). The preparation that we are seeing from them is an investment they are putting into their bodies to be ready for the World Cup. Ajit Agarkar and other selectors won't be sitting in a meeting saying that he has done the gym today, so let's select him. That is not how it works.

"The selectors are saying, I have no problem, boss. Both Rohit and Virat have a place in the team based on their last ODI performances, but there is doubt whether they can make it to the 2027 World Cup or not. The selectors might say that if Rohit remains captain and he is unfit in 2026, we will not have enough time to groom a new leader. From a selection perspective, they have taken a rational decision," he added.

The first ODI of the three-match series in Australia will begin on October 19 in Perth.