"Reluctant to play domestic cricket": Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s teammate demands Ajit Agarkar to issue ultimatum

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not playing for India 'A' at this stage of their international careers. Ashwin stated that the veteran duo’s selection for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 should depend on their form and dedication in domestic cricket.

Virat and Rohit have been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour. They enter the series after a long hiatus, with their most recent outing in competitive cricket being in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Both players are currently participating only in ODI cricket at the international level.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Are Not in Our 2027 World Cups - Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should prove their commitment by playing domestic cricket to remain in India’s World Cup plans.

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"There is nothing debatable to speak about Rohit's captaincy. But is he the direction for the 2027 World Cup? That will be the question asked by the selection committee and the coach," Ashwin said.

"They obviously had a discussion, and two things might have emerged: one, Kohli and Rohit are not in our 2027 World Cup plans; two, if they are indeed included, can they maintain their form until the ICC tournament in 2027? Both are big questions," he added.

Rohit guided India to back-to-back ICC titles in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir are assessing their role in India’s future plans and their ability to maintain form until 2027 while playing only in one format.

Players Have Been Reluctant to Play Domestic Cricket - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should participate in the India A series and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ashwin stated that it would help them regain match rhythm and show their commitment to the World Cup, adding that it would not decide their selection.

"If you need their services, you have to find a way. For example, the India 'A' series happened, so you need to ask them to play that series because there is not much 50-over cricket," Ashwin continued.

"They should have said that if you don't play the series, I don't think you fit in the plan. If not this series, then they have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, because that will let us know the kind of form you are in."

"I have heard that in the past, some players have been reluctant to play domestic cricket. Maybe they are not motivated to play in an India 'A' series, it could be the case. Therefore, you must give them the opportunity. If you have given them the chance and they said no, then it is clear."

Ajit Agarkar Orders Centrally Contracted Players Must Participate in Domestic Tournaments

During the squad selection press conference, chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear that all centrally contracted players should participate in domestic tournaments whenever possible.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featured in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The BCCI issued this directive following India’s 1-3 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series.

Notably, Kohli and Rohit have been absent from domestic white-ball competitions, with their last Vijay Hazare Trophy appearances coming in 2010 and 2018, respectively.

Meanwhile, videos of the two senior players training circulated widely on social media, fueling speculation that they still aspire to feature in the ICC World Cup 2027.

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