There have been some reports stating that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not going to be automatic choices for the upcoming 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. The iconic duo hasn’t been rested for the Afghanistan series as well and this could be implied as a trial series. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had indulged in discussions regarding the managing of workload after the IPL 2026 season but decisions have been taken in the best interest of the players. While there were initial talks that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be rested, the duo will be playing the series.
The reports suggesting that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could even be excluded from the plans is not something that the fans would love to hear. Both the players have been displaying their absolute best with the bat in every opportunity presented to them. To keep on asking them to prove their worth, seems illogical to say the least as they have been consistent players for over a decade. With the 2027 ODI World Cup still more than a year away, the team management is keen on establishing a settled unit rather than relying on reputation alone. Sources close to the selection panel have revealed that neither player is considered an automatic choice for the mega-event.
India’s World Cup trials begin as new faces gear up to take on Afghanistan
The upcoming series marks a critical juncture for India’s transition phase as they prepare to host a visiting Afghanistan side in the first two weeks of June. India’s batting unit will not have any unforced changes as the top 5 of India is simply one of the best in the world. There will be no doubt about their places with the marquee sporting event taking place in less than a year. The Indian bowling unit could undergo changes with the exclusion of Mohammed Shami and the workload of Jasprit Bumrah has been considered and he has been rested for the series.
The three-match ODI series is scheduled to be played between June 14 and June 20, utilizing three distinct venues to test the squad under varying conditions. There have been a few interesting additions to the squad with the inclusion of players like Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey. Both the players have been proving their worth in the IPL and now they have the ultimate chance to secure a spot in the World Cup squad for India. As India have decided to look beyond Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, it will be interesting to see who will make the mix.
By opting for a full-strength squad, India intends to sort out any vulnerabilities and give their senior players a chance to adapt to these shifting dynamics. This rigorous approach could force the players to improve their individual game as even the spots of the established players are unconfirmed as of now. The selection trials for the World Cup could begin from this series and the final squad will be the most awaited announcement for the Indian cricket fans.
