'Let them play freely': Ajinkya Rahane wants to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play 2027 ODI World Cup

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'Let them play freely': Ajinkya Rahane wants to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play 2027 ODI World Cup originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:​

• Ajinkya Rahane wants India legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play the 2027 ODI World Cup.
• He urged the selectors to give Rohit clarity rather than judging him series by series.
• Rahane said both seniors should be backed and allowed to play freely.

Ajinkya Rahane backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup​

Recently retired batter Ajinkya Rahane has entered the debate over the ODI futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, calling for both senior stars to be backed through to the 2027 World Cup. He was adamant that players of their stature should not be assessed on a series-by-series basis.

Rahane's comments come at a time of renewed scrutiny over Rohit's role, following a tour of England in which India lost the ODI series 2-1 under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Rohit answered his critics with a superb 138 at Lord's, an innings that reopened rather than settled the debate around his place.

Both Rohit and Kohli have retained their spots for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia, beginning October 19, but questions persist over whether they will feature at the World Cup in South Africa. Rahane, speaking from his own recent experience of uncertainty, wants that ambiguity removed.

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Why Rahane wants clarity for India's senior batters​

Rahane was unequivocal that Rohit's place should not even be up for discussion given his record. He told The Indian Express that the selectors owed the veteran a clear message about his future.

"I think it is important to tell Rohit Sharma he is going to play the 2027 ODI World Cup," Rahane told the Indian Express. "Just look at his contribution over several years. It has been amazing. You need the experience of such a player at a World Cup. There should be no discussions around it. You can't look at it series by series because he is such a big player."

The former India batter argued that form should not be the deciding factor, pointing to the importance of rhythm and a clear mind.

He said, "Cricket is a game of rhythm, whether you are a youngster or an experienced player. There is no need to talk about his quality. There should be no debate. If he wants to play the 2027 World Cup, he should play. You can't doubt his intensity and attitude."

Rahane extended the same backing to Kohli, insisting both seniors would benefit from the reassurance of the team management. He said, "We should let them play freely. Everyone gets to that stage in their careers, but seniors also like it when the captain and the team management back them. Let them just play till the 2027 World Cup."

Asked whether selectors owed senior players clearer communication, a question shaped by his own experience of continuing after his final international appearance at the 2023 World Test Championship final, Rahane declined to dwell on it.

Rahane added, "Whatever I had to say on that topic, I have already said. I don't want to look back because I genuinely enjoyed my career."

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Why Rahane's plea may run into cricket's cold realities​

There is real warmth and logic in Rahane's argument, and it comes from a man who knows the sting of uncertainty better than most. Backing proven match-winners and freeing them from the anxiety of constant assessment is sound man management, and few would question the value Rohit's and Kohli's experience could bring in South African conditions.

The complication is that the game rarely offers such guarantees, and for good reason. Rohit will be close to 40 by the tournament; both are playing sparse cricket outside the IPL, and the current management is visibly building towards youth.

A blanket assurance two years out sits awkwardly with the need to stay ruthless on form and fitness, and while Rahane's sentiment is understandable, the selectors may feel that even the biggest names cannot be entirely insulated from the demands of a World Cup cycle.


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