Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on the recent speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future. The debate intensified ahead of the third ODI against England at Lord’s after reports suggested uncertainty over Rohit’s place in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, the BCCI later dismissed the rumours and made it clear that the experienced opener remains part of the team’s plans.
Ashwin believes that senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still have an important role to play in India’s ODI setup. He also stressed that if the selectors and team management ever decide to move on from any senior player, they should communicate that decision directly instead of allowing speculation to grow in public.
R Ashwin Says Honest Conversations Are Important for Senior Players
R Ashwin questioned why discussions about Rohit Sharma’s ODI future surfaced just before such an important match. According to him, uncertainty over a senior player’s career should not become a talking point before a crucial game. He believes experienced cricketers deserve clarity from the team management.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said India will tour South Africa later this year and experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still valuable for the team. He admitted that young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal are pushing hard for opportunities, but experience remains important in big tournaments and challenging overseas conditions.
Ashwin explained that if the selectors or coaching staff feel certain senior players will not be part of the plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, they should have informed them much earlier. In his view, such discussions should have happened soon after India’s Champions Trophy campaign instead of allowing rumours to spread months later. He added that no player would appreciate learning about their future through media reports or public speculation.
The former off-spinner also used his own retirement as an example. He recalled that during India’s tour of Australia, the team management had a direct conversation with him about looking at different options for the future. Ashwin said he respected the decision because it was communicated honestly. He believes every player deserves that level of transparency, even if the message is difficult to accept.
Ashwin further said that every cricketer can go through a poor run of form, and one disappointing series should not define a player’s future. Instead, he feels honest communication between the management and players is the best way to handle such situations.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has struggled with the bat in the ongoing ODI series against England. The Indian captain has managed only 37 runs in his first two innings, scoring 11 in the opening match before making a slow 26 off 47 balls in the second ODI. Across his last five ODI innings, Rohit has scored 180 runs at an average of 36, with a highest score of 79.
