Overview
- Ravichandran Ashwin told selectors on Thursday that they should publicly decide whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are part of India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans and that a prompt decision would stop recurring speculation.
- Reports show head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have taken a non‑committal line, and a story citing journalist Abhishek Tripathi said Rohit is not currently in selection plans though that claim remains unconfirmed.
- Kohli’s recent string of ODI centuries has strengthened his case for inclusion, while Rohit faces questions over fitness, consistency and the fact he will be about 40 by the tournament.
- Selectors and team management are treating upcoming matches, notably the England ODI series, plus domestic form and injury checks, as the decisive evidence they will use to finalise any long‑term World Cup list.
- Former players are split—some, like Mohammad Kaif, back keeping the experienced core for South African conditions while critics such as Sanjay Manjrekar say selection should prioritise younger, long‑term options; selectors say balance, fitness and form will guide the final call.