With the 2027 ODI World Cup now a little over a year away, former India batter Aakash Chopra believes the expectations from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should remain straightforward — the experienced stars need to keep scoring runs and contributing to victories.
Rohit and Kohli are set to return to India’s ODI team for the three-match home series against the West Indies, beginning in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. With Shubman Gill leading the side and KL Rahul serving as vice-captain, the performances of the two senior batters will be closely watched as India continues to build its plans for the next World Cup.
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Chopra said Rohit and Kohli have already established their credentials and do not need to prove themselves again.
“The World Cup is just one year away now, and I know that if Rohit and Kohli get in, they will score runs, win you matches, and possibly win you trophies. So, looking at it from this perspective, the only expectation from Rohit and Kohli is just this: keep scoring runs,” Chopra said on JioHotstar’s ‘Follow the Blues’.
Both batters have maintained productive numbers in ODIs this year. Kohli has scored 384 runs in six innings at an average of 64 and a strike rate above 106. His tally includes a century and three half-centuries.
Rohit has scored 379 runs in nine innings at an average of 42.11 and a strike rate above 99. He has registered a century and a fifty, with his highest score being 138 against England at Lord’s.
Chopra believes their experience could prove valuable as India gradually settles on its combination for the 2027 World Cup.
The 15-member squad for the West Indies series also includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Shreyas Iyer, who has featured regularly in India’s recent ODI plans, is unavailable as he leads the Asian Games campaign.
Chopra backed the selectors’ squad composition and particularly pointed to Dhruv Jurel’s inclusion as the second wicketkeeper. He also highlighted the decision to appoint Rahul as vice-captain in Iyer’s absence.
One of the selection battles to watch will be between Jaiswal and Gaikwad. Chopra believes the West Indies series could provide both players with an opportunity to strengthen their case for a reserve batting spot in India’s World Cup plans.
He also expressed interest in seeing Auqib Nabi, who has received his maiden ODI call-up, get an opportunity in the playing XI.
Rishabh Pant’s omission from the ODI squad was another major talking point. Chopra noted that Pant remains an important part of India’s Test setup and has been named captain of the Rest of India, but suggested that the selectors appear to have a different plan for him in white-ball cricket.
The series will also be important for India’s all-rounder options. Chopra highlighted Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion and the need for a player capable of contributing with both bat and ball if Hardik Pandya is unavailable.
Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are also competing for places, meaning the upcoming matches could have significance beyond the immediate series.
