Ashwin: Kohli and Rohit can play the 2027 World Cup if management backs them

Former India off-spinner R Ashwin believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can still be part of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, but says that will depend on how well the team management supports them.

Fitness concerns in the background

Both batters have recently had injury worries. Kohli has been ruled out of India’s upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan with a hamstring problem. Rohit has only just regained full fitness after recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence following a short layoff during the IPL season.

Ashwin’s case: clarity and trust

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin said the mindset of the two veterans will largely be shaped by how valued they feel within the set-up. In his view, if the management wants them at the 50-over World Cup and there is real energy behind the idea, it is quite possible to keep them fit and make use of their experience.

He cautioned that any doubt or mixed messaging would make things harder, since injuries become part of the picture at this stage of a career and bodies no longer recover as they once did. A proper plan, sensible rehab and open communication are needed, he said, describing the arrangement as almost a partnership between players and management.

Ashwin also stressed that selectors, coaches and senior players need to be aligned, and that players who feel backed tend to work twice as hard. He added that Kohli and Rohit make India stronger through their experience and ability in those conditions.

The road ahead

India are due to play about 20 ODIs before early 2027, beginning with the Afghanistan series. Since 2025, Kohli and Rohit have remained among the side’s leading run-scorers in the format, which underlines their importance as the team builds towards the next World Cup cycle.