Amidst speculation about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future, former India pacer Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the timing of the controversy, insisting that if the selectors wanted to leave the old squad in the 2027 ODI World Cup, they would have said so earlier.In recent weeks, social media has been speculating that either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli could be dropped from India’s ODI plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Media reports suggested that the third ODI at Lord’s could be Rohit’s last appearance.
BCCI opposes Rohit’s retirement plans
However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia rubbished the rumors while talking to PTI on Friday, confirming that Rohit will continue to represent India in ODIs and dismissing speculation of his retirement.“There is a lot of speculation going on in the media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I want to say for sure that there has been no discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord’s on Sunday,” Saikia said, as reported by PTI.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said that India are still seeking Rohit and Virat’s information for the upcoming tour of South Africa, but insisted that if the team management decided to walk away from them, the players would have been informed soon after the Champions Trophy instead of letting the 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 would say we need that knowledge. I know Yashasvi Jaiswal is pushing hard from the back, but if you felt as a selector, coach or captain that we don’t want these players in the 2027 World Cup, then you can talk to Ashwin at the Trophy.
‘One bad streak can happen to anyone’
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket after being informed that the team management wanted to look beyond him, said honest communication is important when dealing with senior players.“If you go to a player and tell him that we want to leave you, no player will like that. Even when the coach came and talked to me in Australia that he wanted to watch me, I agreed. One bad list can happen to any player, but you have to talk to the player.”The 39-year-old also questioned why the talks were reaching this point, less than a year before the 2027 ODI World Cup.“Beyond all speculation, Rohit and Virat have been doing it. If you really want such a change, why are these talks coming up now, in August 2026, when there are 10 to 12 months left before the Cricket World Cup?”
