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India National Cricket Team vs Australia Men's Cricket Team Timeline: The former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, feels that the performances of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming India tour of Australia series will play a huge role in affecting their chances of participation in the marquee 2027 World Cup. Shastri iterated that their "form, fitness and hunger" in the upcoming series against Australia will be an important test of all three aspects.

Shastri, who achieved fair success during his tenure between 2017 and 2021, stated that both stalwarts need a strong series against Australia to cement their places. Rohit and Kohli have been added to the 15-player squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, starting in Perth on October 19.

"That's why they're here (playing the ODI series against Australia)," Shastri was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au at Kayo Sport's Summer of Cricket launch here.

"They're part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it's their call," he added.

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After bidding adieu to Test and T20I cricket, fans will look to see their favourite players making a comeback to ODI cricket. However, it will be interesting to see if they will be able to fit into India's long-term plans, with the 50-over World Cup still two years away.

By then, Rohit will be 40, while Kohli will be 38. Rohit was recently replaced by Shubman Gill as India's ODI captain.

Rohit and Kohli were last seen representing India during their victorious Champions Trophy campaign in February this year.

"(It's) the same thing with Steve Smith, who retired from ODIs in March, from Australia's point of view. At that age, you've got to enjoy it, and you still have to have the hunger.

"But there's no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games, and the big boys step up," Shastri added.

India A Better White-Ball Side Than Red-Ball: Shastri

The former India all-rounder also feels the 'Men in Blue' perform better in white-ball cricket than in the red-ball format.

"India is much stronger in white ball than the red ball. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli… they know that these youngsters are pushing them."

Shastri spoke about the wealth of young talent India possesses in limited-overs cricket highlighting Tilak Varma's innings in the recent Asia Cup final.

"(Varma's) innings in that Asia Cup final was absolutely fantastic," Shastri said.

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"Because under pressure to play like that (was impressive). There's some good young guns there in (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, there's (Shubman) Gill, there's Tilak Varma.

"A lot of good young talent and lot of all-rounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, so it's a strong white-ball unit," he added.