Ravi Shastri Questions Kohli and Sharma’s 2027 World Cup Futures

Sydney, Australia – Former India cricket coach Ravi Shastri expressed uncertainty regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma‘s future in the national team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shastri emphasized that the performance of both players in the ongoing series against Australia will be crucial for their selection.

During the launch of Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket on Monday, Shastri highlighted the importance of the series, stating, “That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form.”

Shastri noted that the duo needs strong performances to secure their spots. He remarked, “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.”

The former coach also drew parallels with Australian player Steve Smith, who retired from ODIs in March. He said, “At that age, you’ve got to enjoy it and still have the hunger. But there’s 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.”

Kohli and Sharma, who have already retired from Test and T20I formats, are part of India’s 15-man ODI squad for a three-match series set to take place in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25. This series will be the first time Shubman Gill leads the squad, having recently been appointed as the Test skipper.

Shastri also spoke positively about emerging young talents, citing Tilak Varma‘s exceptional innings in the Asia Cup final. He stated, “Because under pressure, to play like that was impressive. There are some good young guns there in Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma.”

He concluded by noting the depth of talent in India’s white-ball cricket, saying, “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.”

The selection for the ODI squad includes prominent names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, and others, as they prepare to face Australia in this significant series.