The debate surrounding the future of India’s twin batting titans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, has taken centre stage once again as fans look toward the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Despite their advancing age, both stalwarts continue to display phenomenal athletic longevity, matching supreme fitness with incredible technical form on the global stage.

By the time the next marquee 50-over tournament arrives in South Africa, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit will turn 40. While typical cricket logic dictates a changing of the guard, the sheer run-scoring capabilities and energy of these modern-day greats have kept them firmly in the conversation. Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently weighed in on the situation, offering an intriguing, analytical perspective on what it takes to carry iconic players deep into the twilight of their careers.

Ravichandran Ashwin opens up about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s 2027 World Cup prospects

Addressing the million-dollar question regarding whether the BCCI selectors should carry the veteran duo to South Africa, Ashwin offered a realistic outline of the team’s dynamics. The spin wizard made it clear that their selection relies entirely on a shared alignment between the national team management, logical planning, and player intent.

“In my experience of how these things pan out, it is 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 is very much possible to keep them on the park and utilise their experience,” Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo.

Ashwin, known for his deep reading of the game’s mental and physical demands, noted that external noise or institutional hesitation could hamper the players. He stressed that a supportive environment coupled with specialized physical management remains essential to extending their international careers.

“But if there’s a thinking that it might steer the other way, the players will be under duress. And forgive me, I am no specialist, I am no medico scientist, I cannot say this with utmost authority, [but if] there is a proper rehab programme and there is something that is 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 added.

Also READ: S Sreesanth explains why Virat Kohli should play for India in the LA 2028 Olympics

Team India balances transition and workload ahead of upcoming ODI assignments

The road to building a cohesive squad for future ICC tournaments remains a delicate balancing act for the selection committee, especially as they integrate youth alongside proven experience. Both Rohit and Virat were initially included in the core squad named for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 13. However, match fitness continues to dictate the short-term blueprint; Kohli was subsequently ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the domestic season finale, opening the doors for young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal. Meanwhile, Rohit successfully secured his fitness clearance from the BCCI Sports Science team after overcoming a recent hamstring issue of his own.

As the Men in Blue continue their white-ball season, the final squad stands locked to take on Afghanistan under the leadership of Shubman Gill, offering a fascinating glimpse into the side’s evolving leadership pool:

Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey

Also READ: Virat Kohli admirer Harry Kane jokingly offers to play for ECB and RCB ahead of FIFA World Cup