Former India spinner R Ashwin believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can play the 2027 ODI World Cup if they remain fit and receive strong support from team management and selectors.

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The debate over whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will feature in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup continues to gather momentum. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed strong confidence that both veteran stars can remain key members of India’s squad for the tournament, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October-November 2027.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin highlighted that the possibility of Kohli and Rohit playing in the next World Cup depends not only on their fitness and form but also on the support and confidence shown by the team management and selectors.

According to Ashwin, a positive environment and well-planned rehabilitation programs can help experienced players extend their careers successfully. He compared the relationship between players and management to a marriage, stressing that both sides must work together to achieve the common goal of reaching the World Cup.

“If the management wants both of them at the 2027 ODI World Cup and creates the right environment, it is absolutely possible for them to continue playing and contributing to the team,” Ashwin said.

The former spinner also pointed out that adapting to physical challenges becomes increasingly important as players grow older. While injuries are more common after the age of 35, proper workload management and conditioning can help senior cricketers maintain their performance levels.

Kohli and Rohit Continue to Deliver in ODI Cricket

Despite retiring from T20 Internationals in 2024 and stepping away from Test cricket in 2025, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain among India’s most important ODI players.

Since 2025, Kohli has been India’s leading ODI run-scorer, accumulating 891 runs at an impressive average of 68.53, including four centuries and five half-centuries. Rohit Sharma follows closely with 711 runs at an average of 44.43, registering two hundreds and four fifties.

Ashwin particularly praised Kohli’s fitness levels, describing them as excellent, while noting that Rohit will need to continue working on his fitness to remain available consistently.

Rohit’s World Cup Ambition Remains Strong

Ashwin believes Rohit Sharma has a strong personal motivation to continue playing until the 2027 World Cup. The Indian captain is yet to add a 50-over World Cup title to his achievements and may view the tournament as an opportunity to secure one of the biggest prizes in international cricket.

“He doesn’t have a 50-over World Cup in his kitbag yet. I think he wants to go there in 2027 and win another trophy for himself and for India,” Ashwin said.

India’s Experience Could Be a Major Advantage

India are scheduled to play 20 ODIs before January 2027, beginning with the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan. While Kohli has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury, Rohit Sharma has returned to the squad after recovering from a similar issue.

Ashwin concluded by emphasizing the value of experience in major overseas tournaments. He believes India should continue to utilize the knowledge and leadership of players like Kohli and Rohit for as long as possible, especially in challenging conditions such as those expected in South Africa.

“Till you have experienced cricketers like Virat and Rohit in your side, going for an away World Cup, you should extract as much experience as you can from them,” Ashwin stated.

With nearly 18 months remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain firmly in India’s plans, and Ashwin sees no reason why the legendary duo cannot be part of another World Cup campaign.