Even though both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are nearing the end of their careers, former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed support for the veterans playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, arguing that their expertise and presence will make India a stronger team.
At the October–November 2027 50-overs World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Kohli will be getting close to 39 while Rohit will be over 40. Ashwin, however, feels that if the players stay healthy and continue to receive assistance from the club management, age alone shouldn’t be a hindrance.
“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 told ESPNCricinfo.
Ashwin emphasized that in order to enable the two batting stalwarts prolong their ODI careers, a combination of fitness management and support from selectors and team management would be essential.
“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.”
In order to have Kohli and Rohit ready for the upcoming World Cup, the former spinner compared the connection between players and management to a partnership, stating that both sides must cooperate.
“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 told 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.
Kohli and Rohit have concentrated only on the ODI format since retiring from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025. Since 2025, Kohli has had an incredible run, amassing 891 runs at an average of 68.53, including five fifties and four hundreds. With two hundreds and four half-centuries, Rohit has also continued to be productive, amassing 711 runs at 44.43.
Before 2027 begins, India will play 20 ODIs, starting later this week with a three-match series against Afghanistan.
Rohit has returned to the national team following his recovery from a similar injury that kept him out of five IPL 2026 matches, while Kohli has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.
While Rohit will need to continue carefully controlling his exertion over the next year and a half, Ashwin thinks Kohli’s fitness is still a major asset.
“He doesn’t have a 50-over World Cup in his kitbag yet,” Ashwin said of Rohit. “I think he wants to go there to the 2027 World Cup and showcase that, and win yet another silverware for himself and for the nation.”
“I think he has also done enough to warrant a place, going all the way till that end,” he added.
Ashwin advised India to make the most of its veteran stars while they are still available, emphasizing the importance of experience in difficult international situations.
“Till you have experienced cricketers like Virat and Rohit in your side, (and) in your ranks, 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,” said the spin great.
