Sports Desk July 21, 2026 at 11:06 AM 2 min readsportsdeveloping
R Ashwin Backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup
Ashwin’s Strong Endorsement:
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has emphatically stated that it is impossible to drop Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the ODI squad. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin emphasized that both stalwarts continue to provide immense value through their career credentials and their status as major crowd-pullers. His comments follow intense public and media debate regarding the future of the senior duo after recent mixed performances and reports questioning their long-term viability for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Behind the Selection Debate:
The conversation surrounding the potential transition of the Indian ODI team intensified after India lost their recent ODI series in England. While Rohit Sharma silenced critics with a masterful 138-run century at Lord’s—a rare feat for an Indian man at the venue—the persistent pressure from selectors to integrate younger talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal remains evident. Ashwin acknowledged this tension, noting that while bowlers often face quiet exits when dropped, the immense popularity and fan support for batting legends like Rohit and Kohli make their exclusion a monumental challenge for any management team.
Future Outlook:
As the team looks toward the 2027 ODI World Cup, the role of experienced veterans remains a critical strategic decision. Rohit Sharma has publicly dismissed the external noise, maintaining that his sole focus is delivering match-winning performances for the team. While the BCCI has officially dismissed speculation regarding Rohit’s immediate retirement, the pressure on management to balance fresh talent with established icons will likely remain a central theme in Indian cricket coverage throughout the upcoming season.
Pulse Intelligence
Context & ImpactContext & Background
- Rohit Sharma recently scored a significant century against England at Lord's, answering critics who questioned his form.
- Ravichandran Ashwin has actively used his platform to comment on team selection policies and the treatment of players.
Key Consequences
- The public support from a veteran like Ashwin is likely to consolidate the position of Kohli and Rohit in the short term.
- Selectors face a continuing challenge in balancing the need for youth integration with the immense commercial and fan value of senior icons.
Market & Economic Impact
No direct market impact.

