Ravichandran Ashwin believes that if the Indian team management gives Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma the feeling that they are needed in the 2027 ODI World Cup, the star duo will put in extra effort to be physically and mentally ready for the showpiece event.
Rohit and Kohli have been dealing with injuries of late. The latter has been ruled out of India's upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury, while Rohit regained full fitness at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence after missing
five games for Mumbai Indians this season.
"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. But if there is a thinking that it might steer the other way, the players will be under duress," Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo's video show.
"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 is good vibes from the other half, the players will manage to make it," he added.
Ashwin said that the former India captains, the selectors and team management need to be in sync as the Men in Blue prepare for the marquee event.
"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. So [at] every stage you need to adapt. And with that in place, it is like a marriage, both of them bring something to the table. The management and the selectors will have to want them being there, [and will] want the best interest in their minds for these players to be able to get there," Ashwin said.
"And from the players' side, when they see that from the management, they would put double the hard work than they would otherwise. 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," the legendary cricketer added.
India play another 20 ODIs until early January 2027, starting with the three-match series against Afghanistan from later this week. Since 2025, Kohli and Rohit have been No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, among Indian batters with the most runs in the ODI format. They will look to build on the momentum over the next few months till the time the World Cup kicks off.
