Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still have an important role to play in India’s ODI setup, but he also admitted that the journey till the 2027 ODI World Cup may be difficult as the team management is paying more attention to the young players.
Both these senior players have already withdrawn from T20I and Test cricket, so now the 50-over format is the only international commitment for them.
Why is the journey difficult for Ro-Ko?
Talking about the future of these two, Ashwin said that the current leadership group is focusing on preparing the next generation of Indian cricketers. However, he emphasized that both Kohli and Rohit have faced this challenge brilliantly. Ashwin said, ‘This management has made it clear that they are focusing on the next generation of cricketers. He prefers to work with young players. In such a situation, there is some pressure on both of them.
Kohli’s praise
Referring to Kohli’s recent performance, Ashwin said that the former captain still remains an important player in India’s plans. After a slow start to the ODI series in Australia, Kohli made a tremendous comeback and made important contributions against South Africa. Ashwin believes that these performances show the hunger and commitment that can help Kohli remain a key player till the next World Cup cycle.
Will Rohit’s dream come true?
The former spin all-rounder also supported the ability of Rohit Sharma and said that he is consistently performing well in the 50-over format. Ashwin said that Rohit’s desire to add the ODI World Cup trophy to his achievements can give him extra motivation to pursue his international career.
Appeal to create balance
Concluding his talk, Ashwin requested the Indian team management to strike the right balance between young and experienced players. He stressed that experienced players like Kohli and Rohit can provide valuable advice, especially in difficult overseas conditions, and their presence along with emerging talent can be a crucial factor for India’s long-term success.