Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has stirred the cricketing pot by questioning whether India’s star duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, still possess the motivation to feature in India A or domestic fixtures as preparation for international assignments.
With both stalwarts set to return to action after a nearly four-month hiatus since the IPL, Ashwin believes the selectors and management must ensure that the two legends remain match-ready — especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.
India’s upcoming tour of Australia will mark the first time in months that Rohit and Kohli don the national colors in competitive cricket. Under newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill, the Men in Blue will play three ODIs — but Ashwin feels that limited game time could hurt the duo’s readiness for the format.
“They Need to Play Competitive 50-Over Cricket”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin emphasized that selectors should encourage — or even insist — that senior players take part in India A series or the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in rhythm. If you need their services, you have to find a way.
When the India A series happened, they could have been asked to play, because there’s not much 50-over cricket right now.
They should have said — If you don’t play, you don’t fit in the plans,” Ashwin said.
He further added, If not this series, then play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. That would help assess their form and readiness.
I’ve heard in the past that some players aren’t motivated to play domestic cricket. If that’s the case, give them the chance — and if they decline, then it’s clear where they stand.”
Balancing Experience and Accountability
Ashwin acknowledged that no selector or coach would easily sideline icons like Kohli and Rohit, whose experience remains invaluable.
However, he cautioned against indecision ahead of the next World Cup cycle. You can’t just say Virat and Rohit’s services are no longer needed — that experience can’t be bought in a store.
But if there are doubts about whether they’ll make it till 2027, then this direction seems right. You cannot go into the World Cup with so many question marks,” he remarked.
Long-Term Vision for 2027
Ashwin also backed the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel, noting that they face a delicate balancing act between nurturing future talent and retaining veteran influence. There’s no doubt that both Rohit and Virat want to be there in 2027.
The work they’re putting in shows their commitment. But selectors can’t just rely on gym sessions or training footage — they need to see match performance. That’s how cricket works,” Ashwin concluded.
As India transitions under new leadership, the question lingers: will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to domestic and A-level cricket to prove their ODI form — or will their legacy alone secure them a spot in the 2027 campaign?
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