Selectors Don’t Pick Players For Hitting The Gym: Ashwin On Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes head coach Gautam Gambhir and the national selectors face a delicate challenge - convincing stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play domestic and India A cricket if they are part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Both veterans have been out of competitive cricket since the IPL 2025, with their last international appearance coming in the Champions Trophy (February-March). By the time of the next World Cup, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit 40.

The duo has been included in India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19. However, a major change has already been made - Shubman Gill has replaced Rohit as ODI captain, hinting that the management might be preparing for a transition.

"There is nothing debatable to speak about Rohit's captaincy. But is he the direction for the 2027 World Cup? That will be the question asked by the selection committee and the coach. They obviously had a discussion, and two things might have emerged: one, Kohli and Rohit are not in our 2027 World Cup plans; two, if they are indeed included, can they maintain their form until the ICC tournament in 2027? Both are big questions," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, as reported by Hindustan Times.

"If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India 'A' series happened, so you need to ask them to play that series because there is not much 50-over cricket. They should have said that if you don't play the series, I don't think you fit in the plan. If not this series, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will let us know the kind of form you are in."

Ashwin added that some players in the past have been hesitant to play domestic cricket, possibly due to lack of motivation, but emphasised that selectors must still extend the opportunity to them.

“I have heard that in the past, some players have been reluctant to play domestic cricket. Maybe they are not motivated to play in an India 'A' series, it could be the case. Therefore, you must give them the opportunity. If you have given them the chance and they said no, then it is clear. If the selector or the coach has told you that I want you to play this series, not for selection purposes, but only to get into the rhythm. It is only to show that they are serious about playing."

Despite the age factor, both Kohli and Rohit have maintained excellent ODI numbers. Since 2023, Rohit has scored 1,714 runs in 37 innings at an average of 48.97 and a strike rate of 117.2, while Kohli has 1,710 runs in 34 innings, averaging 61.07 with a strike rate of 95.8.

"I don't think any selector or coach will have the heart to say that Virat and Rohit's services are no longer needed. That experience cannot be bought in a store. You will have to be really wrong somewhere to say that you don't need them. If there is any doubt about whether they will be able to make it to the 2027 World Cup, then I think the direction they have taken seems fair. You cannot go leading up to the World Cup with so many question marks,” Ashwin said.

The veteran spinner also backed the selectors’ move to hand Gill the captaincy, calling it a pragmatic step to prepare for the future. "There is no doubt that both Rohit and Virat want to be there (in the 2027 WC). The preparation that we are seeing from them is an investment they are putting into their bodies to be ready for the World Cup. Ajit Agarkar and other selectors won't be sitting in a meeting saying that he has done the gym today, so let's select him. That is not how it works.

"The selectors are saying, I have no problem, boss. Both Rohit and Virat have a place in the team based on their last ODI performances, but there is doubt whether they can make it to the 2027 World Cup or not. The selectors might say that if Rohit remains captain and he is unfit in 2026, we will not have enough time to groom a new leader. From a selection perspective, they have taken a rational decision."