Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Asked to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy to Remain in Contention for World Cup 2027
R Ashwin urges selectors to make Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play India A or Vijay Hazare games before ODIs.
Ravichandran Ashwin has advised India’s selectors to find a way to keep Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli match-ready for ODI cricket.
The veteran spinner said both senior players should feature either in India A matches or the Vijay Hazare Trophy for their state teams, especially with limited 50-over cricket ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit and Kohli haven’t played competitive cricket since the IPL and are set to return for the upcoming ODI series in Australia under new captain Shubman Gill.
Ashwin said the selectors must ensure that players of their stature stay in rhythm by getting proper game time before major series.
“If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India ‘A’ series happened, so you need to ask them to play that series because there is not much 50-over cricket. If not that, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. That will let us know the kind of form they are in,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
He also admitted that senior players may not always feel motivated to play domestic or ‘A’ level matches, but the selectors should still offer them the chance.
“If you have given them the opportunity and they said no, then it’s clear. The management must tell them to show they are serious,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin added that selectors like Ajit Agarkar cannot judge the duo based only on reputation or fitness.
“There is no doubt that both Rohit and Virat want to be there in the 2027 World Cup. But Ajit Agarkar and other selectors won’t sit in a meeting saying he did the gym today, so let’s select him. That’s not how it works,” he remarked.
