Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Ashish Nehra Backs Rohit and Kohli for World Cup
Ashish Nehra thinks Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could play for India at the next ODI World Cup.
He says this depends on whether they continue playing well.
The World Cup is still about 12 or 13 months away.
Nehra also warned that cricket decisions can change very quickly.
He said many people in the Board of Control for Cricket in India may help decide the squad.
Nehra compared Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill as captains.
He said Hardik talks a lot and asks questions, while Gill is quieter and learns by watching.
He also discussed Ravi Kumar receiving a trophy despite an age-fraud ban from the Cricket Association of Bengal.
Ashish Nehra said Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be considered for India’s next ODI World Cup squad if they remain in good form.
Nehra cautioned that decisions in Indian cricket can change within two or three weeks and involve people beyond the captain, coach and selectors.
The tournament is still 12–13 months away and will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, when Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39.
Nehra described Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill as very different captains, saying Hardik is highly communicative while Gill is reserved and observant.
Left-arm quick Ravi Kumar, who was banned by the Cricket Association of Bengal over alleged age fraud, collected a trophy for Mohun Bagan.
- Who
- Former India pacer and Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra discussed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill.
- What
- Nehra backed Rohit and Kohli for India’s next ODI World Cup squad if they are performing well, while warning that selection plans could change quickly.
- When
- Nehra made the remarks on Monday; the World Cup is described as 12–13 months away.
- Where
- The World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Nehra spoke at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s annual awards function at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium.
- Why
- Nehra said current form matters, but decisions may also change because several people within Indian cricket, including BCCI officials, are involved.
Conditional support for senior players
Caution over future selection
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s World Cup prospects
Conditional support for senior players
Nehra said both should be included if they are performing well.
Caution over future selection
Nehra said it is too early to confirm their places because circumstances and decisions in Indian cricket can change quickly.
- World Cup timing
- The ODI World Cup is 12–13 months away, according to Nehra.
- Potential ages
- Rohit Sharma will be 40 and Virat Kohli 39 when the tournament begins.
- Host countries
- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- Nehra’s position
- He supports selecting Rohit and Kohli if they continue performing well.
- Selection uncertainty
- Nehra said circumstances in Indian cricket can change within two or three weeks.
- Captaincy comparison
- Nehra called Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill “North Pole and South Pole” because of their contrasting styles.
- Ravi Kumar
- The left-arm quick received a Mohun Bagan trophy despite a Cricket Association of Bengal ban over alleged age fraud.