Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has raised doubts about the ODI future of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, highlighting that the upcoming three-match series against Australia will be a pivotal moment in determining their paths toward the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Both Kohli and Rohit have not featured in an ODI since their last outing for India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Their return to the squad for the Australia series marks a major moment as management assesses the roadmap for India’s long-term ODI plans.
The squad will be led by Shubman Gill, who was recently appointed India's ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma.
“That’s why they’re here. They’re part of the mix, but, again, form is crucial. 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, the big boys step up, so it’ll be interesting," Shastri said during the Kayo Sports' Summer of Cricket launch.
The legendary duo, who have now retired from both Test and T20I formats, are pursuing their dream of lifting the elusive ODI World Cup trophy together in 2027. Shastri, meanwhile, has emphasised that performance on the field and physical readiness will be the ultimate deciding factors. India will take on Australia in the first ODI on October 19 in Perth.