Will Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli play the ICC ODI World Cup 2027? Ravi Shastri answers

Former Indian head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri has reckoned that the upcoming ODI series against Australia will play a crucial role for the Indian veteran batting duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in making a call on their future in international cricket.

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Speaking at the launch of Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket in Sydney, Shastri asserted that the forthcoming three-match ODI series will be a benchmark for the Indian talismanic batting duo Down Under. 

Furthermore, Shastri also noted that though the duo is part of the mix for the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027, it also depends on their fitness, hunger, and form. He also compared the duo’s situation with Steve Smith’s ODI retirement, adding that the final decision lies with the players themselves. 

“That is why they are here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They are part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go," he said.

“They (Rohit and Kohli) themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel, and then it is their call. (It’s) The same thing with Steve Smith (who retired from ODIs in March) from Australia’s point of view," he added.

The Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has named Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain for the forthcoming ODI series vs Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma, keeping the upcoming ODI World Cup in mind.

India’s ODI squad vs Australia: Shubman Gill (C), 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.

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AUS vs IND ODI series schedule:

First ODI: October 19, Perth

Second ODI: October 23, Adelaide

Third ODI: October 25, Sydney

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