World Cup 2027?Ashwin, who was a member of the same India side with Kohli and Rohit when they won the ODI World Cup in 2011, thinks that there is every chance that both could be playing for the 2027 ODI World Cup should everyone involved with them – from team management to themselves – set them right.
The 2027 edition of the 50-over World Cup will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. That would make Kohli almost 39 and Rohit Sharma more than 40. And while Ashwin believes that age should not be the sole factor determining their future, judging by the incredible value they still add to India’s ODI unit.
On the probabilities of the duo extending their careers, Ashwin stated that a combination of fitness, motivation and support from the leadership group is critical. He says that as long as senior players know beforehand when they will and won’t be playing, then they can quickly get back in the groove and perform at an optimum level even though their age is increasing.
He said the positive environment is another equally important thing. It is much easy for players to get themselves into the frame of mind that they are preparing for India’s World Cup plans when selectors and team management actually want Kohli and Rohit there. Ashwin found an opportunity to talk about the relationship being akin to a partnership where both sides must put trust and effort in order to reach a common target.
The ex-spinner also noted injuries particularly start to become more common as players age. In such an unpredictable environment, the ability to adapt to changing physical demands, adhere to proper rehabilitation programs and modify training routines become critical variables in extending careers. But he stressed that uncertainty over an individual’s future can put more pressure on players and make the challenge tougher.
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However, Ashwin backed both veteran players to continue playing if the conditions are right. He said their presence adds great depth to the Indian side, especially in foreign conditions where experience is incredibly valuable.
But Kohli and Rohit have already retired from the T20 Internationals and Test cricket while choosing to play only ODIs. As suggested by their displays, they still have much to give. This year, Kohli has been run-machine for India and is the highest ODI run-scorer with 891 runs at an average over 68 and four centuries since January 2023. Rohit is also among the leading run scorers with 711 runs, including two hundreds and four half-centuries.
If they are driving you to victory and if you have been successful, what’s the reason why that great duo (captain Rohit Sharma and pacer Jasprit Bumrah) cannot play together during that