Amid speculation over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the timing of the debate, insisting that if the selectors wanted to move away from the veteran duo ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, they should have communicated this decision much earlier.In recent weeks, social media has speculated that Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli could be dropped from India’s ODI plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Media reports also claimed that the third ODI at Lord’s could be Rohit’s final appearance in the format.
BCCI dismisses Rohit retirement speculation
However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed those rumors while speaking to PTI on Friday, confirming that Rohit will continue to represent India in ODIs and dispelling speculation surrounding his retirement.“There is a lot of speculation going on in the media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I want to state strongly that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will play his last match at Lord’s Sunday,” Saikia said, as quoted by PTI.Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said that India still needed the experience of Rohit and Virat for the upcoming tour of South Africa, but stressed that if the team management had decided to move on from them, the players should have been informed immediately after the Champions Trophy instead of allowing uncertainty.“I think we’re going to South Africa in September and October. Do we need Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? If you ask me, I’d say we need that experience. I know Yashasvi Jaiswal is pushing hard from behind, but if you’ve ever felt as a selector, coach or captain that we don’t want these players in the 2027 World Cup, then you can communicate at the end of the 2027 World Cup Trophy.” Said.
“A bad series can happen to anyone”
Ashwin, who himself retired from international cricket after being informed that the team management wanted to look beyond him, said honest communication is essential when dealing with senior players.“If you go to a player and tell him that we want to pass by you, no player will like that. Even when the coach came and communicated with me in Australia that they wanted to look past, I accepted. A bad series can happen to any player, but you have to communicate with the player.”The 39-year-old also questioned why such discussions have emerged now, with less than a year remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup.“Beyond all the speculation, Rohit and Virat have done it. If you really want to make such a transition, why is this discussion coming up only now, in August 2026, when there are only 10 to 12 months before the Cricket World Cup?”