Amid speculation over the ODI futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the timing of the debate, insisting that if the selectors wish to decide on the decision before the 2027 ODI World Cup.In recent weeks, rumors have been rife on social media that either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli could be dropped from India’s ODI plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Media reports even claimed that Rohit’s third ODI at Lord’s could be Rohit’s last appearance in the tournament.
BCCI denies Rohit retirement rumors
However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia denied these rumors in an interview to PTI on Friday, confirming that Rohit will continue to represent India in ODIs and refuting speculations about his retirement.“There is a lot of speculation in the media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I would like to firmly assert that there is no discussion whatsoever about Rohit playing his final game at Lord’s on Sunday,” Saikia was quoted as saying by PTI.Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said India still need the experience of Rohit and Virat during the upcoming tour of South Africa, but stressed that if the team management decides to move on from them, the players should be informed immediately after the Champions Trophy rather than letting uncertainty linger.“I think we are going to South Africa in September and October. Do we need Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? If you ask me, I will say we need that experience. I know Yashasvi Jaiswal is pushing hard from behind, but if you as a selector, coach or captain feel that we don’t want these players to play in the 2027 World Cup, then you can convey the title at the end of the trophy.
‘A bad series can happen to anyone’
Ashwin, who himself retired from international cricket after learning that the team management wanted to surpass him, said honest communication is crucial when dealing with senior players.“If you go to a player and tell him we want to leave you, no player likes that. Even when the coaches came to Australia to talk to me and they wanted to overtake me, I accepted it. A bad series can happen to any player but you have to communicate with the players.”The 39-year-old also questioned why such discussions are taking place now, with less than a year left before the 2027 ODI World Cup.“Beyond all speculation, Rohit and Virat have been performing. If you really want to make such a transformation, why does this discussion not start until August 2026, when there are only 10 to 12 months left before the Cricket World Cup?”
