Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra spoke about his thoughts on the future of two biggest batter stars in India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, especially as the 2027 ICC World Cup is on the verge of the horizon. The former Indian opening pitcher believes there is no reason not to be selected for the 2027 ICC World Cup, provided that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to perform consistently.
The commentator lashed out at the news of biased selection in India’s cricket, stressing that there is no “preferential treatment or quota system” for the selection of iconic players. He emphasized that India’s selection system is always based on ability.
I wonder when the selection of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was not based on ability: Aakash Chopra
He argued that players are chosen based on their performance strictly, and that this ability-based approach has been a major factor in India’s long-standing success beyond the format. Well, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently ready to play under Shubman Gill in ODI.
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The former Indian batsman said it’s not uncommon or surprising to see Rohit and Kohli play under Gill’s captain. Even Chopra likened the situation to the 2011 World Cup, when Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest batsmen in world history, played under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said, “The big news is that Rohit Sharma is not present as captain and Virat Kohli is there, but who knows what will happen in the future. I read an article that said that their selection will be based on ability. I wonder when it was when their selection was based on ability. Only meritocracy works. There are no favoritism or allocation systems here. India is doing well because good people play here. If they are in good shape, they will play for India and if they do well on a continuous basis, they will remain with the team.”
Aakash Chopra highlights challenges for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli towards ICC World Cup 2027
Since Indian batters retired from Test cricket and T20I cricket, Chopra pointed out that Virat and Rohit have more limited opportunities to consistently show off their form and it is difficult to maintain their rhythm, which could be at a disadvantage in the 2027 ICC World Cup selection.
Chopra also suggested that Rohit and Kohli take part in national tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Ranji Trophy whenever they have the opportunity. This will help you stay connected to the game, maintain your fitness in the game, and adapt to a variety of situations on the field.
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He added, “It’s said that forms are temporary and classes are permanent. However, since you don’t play in any other format, you know that form and look at the class repeatedly. That’s the truth.”
Aakash Chopra shows the mirror to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Chopra explained that players who compete in all formats have a long career, as they continue to play and remain in the minds of selectors, and that the concerns of both Rohit and Kohli are because they are currently only active in ODI cricket.
He concluded, “It’s always the case that all-format players have a slightly longer career period. It’s always in their heads. But for single-format players, whether they’re just playing Test, ODI or T20I, it’s very difficult. It’s a problem not to play cricket. The gap is very long. That’s not a good thing.”