Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup, saying their experience and presence would make India a stronger team despite both players being in the later stages of their careers.

The World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027. By then, Kohli will be close to 39 years old, while Rohit will be over 40. However, Ashwin believes age should not stop them from featuring in the tournament if they remain fit and continue to get support from the team management.

Ashwin wants selectors to back RoKo

Ashwin said fitness management and support from the selectors and team management will be key if the two senior batters are to continue their ODI careers until 2027.

Ashwin's advice to Indian management

The former spinner compared the relationship between players and management to a partnership, saying both sides need to work together if the aim is to have Kohli and Rohit available for the next ODI World Cup.

Having retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025, Kohli and Rohit are now focused only on ODI cricket. Kohli has enjoyed a strong run since 2025, scoring 891 runs at an average of 68.53, including four centuries and five fifties. Rohit has also delivered consistent performances, scoring 711 runs at 44.43 with two hundreds and four half-centuries.

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India are set to play 20 ODIs before the start of 2027, beginning with a three-match series against Afghanistan later this week.

While Kohli has been ruled out of the series because of a hamstring injury, Rohit has returned to the national squad after recovering from a similar issue that forced him to miss five matches during IPL 2026.

Ashwin's advice to Rohit and Virat

Ashwin feels Kohli's fitness continues to be one of his biggest strengths, while Rohit will need to manage his workload carefully over the next year and a half.

Ashwin concluded by highlighting the importance of experience, especially in overseas conditions like those in South Africa. He urged India to make the most of senior players such as Kohli and Rohit while they are still available.

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