‘Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma will need good vibes from management’:Why Raina, Ashwin feel Ro-Ko are key to India’s chances at 2027 ODI WC?

The discussion continues to rage on in cricketing circles about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin firmly believes that the experience that Rohit and Virat possess would give India an edge in the competition that is slated to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Both Virat and Rohit remain active cricketers only in ODIs, having retired from T20Is in 2024 and Test cricket last year. While Rohit has made it clear that he wants to win the ODI World Cup, a trophy that has eluded him in his career, Virat too, has echoed a similar sentiment. ‘No reason why Rohit and Virat shouldn’t play 2027 WC’ Speaking on ESPNCricinfo’s show, Ashwin said that the two players must have a fitness and rehabilitation programme, but added that the management must not doubt the two stalwarts. Earlier, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said both Virat and Rohit were non-committal about the World Cup next year. “In my experience of how these things pan out, it’s pretty straightforward: if the management wants both of them at the 50-over World Cup in South Africa, and if there is enough energy around it, it’s very much possible to keep them on the park and utilise their experience. And forgive me, I’m no specialist, I’m no medico scientist, I can’t say this with utmost authority, [but if] there is a proper rehab programme, and there is something that’s constructed around what they want to do, and if there are good vibes from the other half, the players will manage to make it,” he said. Ashwin said. “But if there is any sediment of doubt that’s trusted upon them, the players are going to find it harder because at this age, injuries are par for the course. The body is not the same as it was when it was 35 and below; it’s not the same when you cross 32 itself,” he added. Both Virat and Rohit have had impressive returns in ODI cricket since 2025. Rohit had captained India to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title, his last as an India ODI captain before being replaced by Shubman Gill. With the bat, Virat has had 891 runs so far in ODIs since 2025, with four centuries and five hundreds to his name. Rohit has also been successful, with 711 runs to his name, with two hundreds and four fifties. Ashwin stressed the fact that there has to be cooperation between Virat, Rohit and the management for the two to make it to next year’s showpiece event. Virat, in an interview last month, had said that he would not want to be part of an environment where he is called to prove himself at all times. “So I think it’s a bit of a give and take. I think good energy from both sides is very critical for both of them to make it happen to get to the 2027 50-over World Cup. And having said that, I see no reason why they mustn’t be there. They make your team definitely stronger with their presence and their experience of those conditions,” Ashwin said. “Till you have experienced cricketers like Virat and Rohit in your side, [and] in your ranks, going for an away World Cup in a country like South Africa, I think you should extract as much experience as you can from those,” he added. Virat, however, is set to miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury. Rohit will be in action, having been cleared to compete by the BCCI earlier this week. Also read: Mohammed Shami’s hat-trick, 2 Super Overs after Rohit Sharma’s 121:Virat Kohli’s maiden T20I ton; 5 unforgettable India vs Afghanistan matches ‘Ro-Ko’s presence will be important for Shubman Gill’ Former cricketer and JioStar expert Suresh Raina said that the experience Virat and Rohit bring to the table would be beneficial for captain Shubman Gill. Under captain Gill, India have not had the best of times in ODI cricket, winning two and losing four out of the six matches that have been played. “Physical and mental preparation will be key for Virat Kohli. He looks very strong in white-ball cricket. The same goes for Rohit Sharma. Both are proven run-scorers in ICC World Cups. Rohit topped the run charts in 2019, and Virat did the same in 2023. They have also won ICC trophies, which adds immense value to their leadership and presence. They know how to handle pressure in knockout games,” Raina said. “They have been there, done that. Experience matters in big tournaments. The young batters around them will benefit from their guidance. For Shubman Gill, captaining India in a World Cup, having Rohit and Virat alongside him will be a huge advantage. Their experience will be invaluable on and off the field. In a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup, that kind of presence can make all the difference,” added the former cricketer.