![Ashwin's interesting take on ROKO's relation with Agarkar [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781153982405_Ashwin'sinterestingtakeonROKO'srelationwithAgarkar.jpg?type=hq)
Ashwin's interesting take on ROKO's relation with Agarkar [Source: AFP]
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the biggest cricketing names at the moment will be the hot topic as we get closer to the World Cup 2027 scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Will the duo represent India in the marquee event? Or will the selectors take the bold call and remove them? This has been a debate for a long time.
In terms of skill sets, no one comes close to the legendary pair, but by the time the World Cup arrives, Kohli will be nearly 39 and Rohit will be past 40, and age and fitness will be crucial as the selectors decide the final squad for the World Cup 2027.
The inclusion of Rohit and Kohli (ROKO) in India’s World Cup squad remains a topic to be discussed, and former Indian cricketer R Ashwin has shared his opinion on the same.
R Ashwin backs Rohit, Kohli to play World Cup 2027
Ravichandran Ashwin has played for years alongside Rohit and Kohli, and the legendary spinner shares a special bond with the duo. In a video discussion with ESPNCricinfo, Ashwin was asked about ROKO’s future, and here’s what the spinner had to say.
"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," Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo's video show. "But if there is a thinking that it might steer the other way, the players will be under duress.
"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.
Ashwin feels ROKO's relations with selectors are like a marriage
On the contrary, Ashwin also stated that Rohit and Kohli’s relationship with the Indian team management, and selector, Ajit Agarkar is like a marriage, and it would only work if both parties bring something positive to the table.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir To Have Hard Talk With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma
"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.
Selectors unsure about Rohit, Kohli's participation in the World Cup
Rohit, and Kohli last played a T20I game in 2024, and they retired after the World Cup. Moreover, the pair also bid adieu to Test cricket in May 2025, and since then, they have only played for India in the ODIs.
While both batters have scored truckloads of runs in the ODIs, the selectors are unsure about their place in the World Cup 2027 squad.
Despite being the best ODI players of their generation, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have clearly stated that Rohit and Kohli will be judged on the basis of their performance, and not reputation. Hence, one poor series could cost them a place in the World Cup team.
Also Read: Nahid Rana Punished Brutally By ICC After Josh Inglis Fight
