Sydney: Former India coach Ravi Shastri has suggested that the places of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad are not guaranteed. Speaking at the Kayo Sport Summer of Cricket launch in Sydney on Monday, Shastri emphasised that the upcoming ODI series against Australia will be crucial for both stalwarts to cement their spots.
“It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel, and then it’s their call,” Shastri said.
Kohli and Rohit in focus
Kohli and Sharma have already retired from Tests and T20Is and are part of India’s 15-man ODI squad for the three-match series in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25. The series will be led by newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill, marking his first full-time assignment as the 50-over captain.
Shastri compared the situation to that of Steve Smith, who retired from ODIs in March, noting that at a certain age, players need both hunger and enjoyment to continue competing at the highest level.
“But there is no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games, and the big boys step up,” he added.
Young talent pushing the veterans
Shastri also highlighted India’s emerging white-ball talent, praising players like Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill. He described Tilak Varma’s Asia Cup final innings as “absolutely fantastic,” underscoring the pressure-handling capabilities of the younger players.
“A lot of good young talent and a lot of allrounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel, so it’s a strong white-ball unit. Rohit Sharma … Virat Kohli … they know that these youngsters are pushing them,” Shastri said.
The comments suggest that while experience remains invaluable, the veteran duo must deliver consistently in upcoming series to remain part of India’s long-term ODI plans.
India’s ODI squad for Australia series
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.
This squad reflects a mix of experienced players and young talent, with Shubman Gill taking the reins as captain and the likes of Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal looking to make a mark in senior white-ball cricket.
Conclusion
Ravi Shastri’s comments underscore that no player’s place in India’s ODI team is permanent, even for legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The upcoming Australia series serves as a litmus test for their fitness, form, and hunger. While experience is invaluable, India’s white-ball setup is being increasingly strengthened by younger talent, ensuring healthy competition and a strong team for the future.