With one year remaining until the ODI World Cup, India are still searching for their ideal combinations while uncertainty continues to surround the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The veteran duo have previously expressed their desire to feature in the tournament, especially after stepping away from other formats and shifting their focus to limited-overs cricket. However, Indian cricket has undergone significant changes over the past few years, making long-term selections far from certain.
Kohli appears to be in a stronger position, having maintained impressive form in ODIs and continued to deliver consistently in the IPL. His performances have reinforced his value to the side and strengthened his case for another World Cup campaign. Rohit, meanwhile, faces a tougher road. Despite his vast experience and leadership credentials, questions remain over his consistency and ability to secure a regular place in the team. With competition for spots increasing, the coming months could prove crucial in determining whether both stalwarts make it to the World Cup squad.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out strongly in support of Kohli and Rohit amid growing debate over their World Cup futures. Ashwin questioned the basis of the speculation surrounding the veteran duo and stressed the importance of experience in a tournament as demanding as the World Cup in South Africa.
"This speculation about Rohit or Virat is not good. In all honesty, where does the speculation come from? Somewhere, it is in someone's mind that they should not go to the World Cup. I don't know who those people are. Some people will have that doubt, and somebody else wants them to be in the squad. I personally think you need experienced batters to play the World Cup in South Africa," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
{{/usCountry}}"This speculation about Rohit or Virat is not good. In all honesty, where does the speculation come from? Somewhere, it is in someone's mind that they should not go to the World Cup. I don't know who those people are. Some people will have that doubt, and somebody else wants them to be in the squad. I personally think you need experienced batters to play the World Cup in South Africa," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
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“Make them feel absolutely comfortable”
He also urged the selectors to take a clear call on the futures of Rohit and Kohli sooner rather than later. He argued that if the team management sees them as part of India's World Cup plans, they should be backed wholeheartedly and given the confidence to prepare without constant scrutiny.
"If you want them, make a decision now, and make them feel absolutely comfortable and confident over the next one year. If you do not make the decision now, it becomes difficult as the same thing will keep coming back after every one or two failures," he added