Aakash Chopra Urges Rohit And Kohli To Keep Delivering As World Cup Preparations Begin

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has identified run-scoring as the main responsibility for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as India look towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Both experienced batters feature in India’s 15-member squad for the forthcoming three-match home series against the West Indies, with Shubman Gill named as captain.

“The World Cup is just one year away now, and I know that if Rohit and Kohli get in, they’ll 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 told Jio Star.

Chopra pointed to the wealth of experience Rohit and Kohli bring as India continue to build towards the World Cup in South Africa.

He said their contributions with the bat could play a significant role in India’s preparations leading up to the tournament.

Chopra Praises Squad Selection

Chopra also welcomed the overall make-up of the ODI squad, saying the selectors had worked with the players available to them.

“With the available players, you try and make the most of what you have. The biggest change you notice is that KL Rahul has been made vice-captain in place of Shreyas Iyer because Shreyas Iyer will be at the Asian Games. There was certainly a question mark over Rishabh Pant, but I also liked Dhruv Jurel’s selection,” he said.

Ravindra Jadeja has returned to India’s ODI squad, while the selectors have included Nitish Kumar Reddy after withdrawing him from the Asian Games contingent.

Chopra said Nitish’s inclusion could help India assess their pace-bowling all-rounder options, particularly if Hardik Pandya is unavailable.

India will open the series in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 before travelling to Guwahati for the second ODI on September 30.

Also Read: Asian Games: Manu Bhaker Looks Back On Her Journey As India’s Flag-Bearer