New Delhi, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes the primary expectation from batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies is simple — keep scoring runs as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With the World Cup less than a year away, Chopra said the experience of Rohit and Kohli could prove crucial for India as they prepare for the tournament in South Africa.
“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.
Rohit and Kohli have both been included in India’s 15-member ODI squad for the three-match home series against the West Indies. Shubman Gill will captain the side, while KL Rahul has been appointed vice-captain in place of Shreyas Iyer, who will feature in India’s Asian Games campaign.
Chopra also backed the composition of the squad, saying the selectors had made the most of the available options. He highlighted the inclusion of Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper and the changes necessitated by player availability.
“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. So, considering all of that, a very good team has been picked, and full marks to the Indian team selectors,” he said.
Ravindra Jadeja has returned to the ODI setup, while Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included after being withdrawn from India’s Asian Games contingent.
Chopra said the all-rounder’s role would be closely watched as India assess their options ahead of the 2027 World Cup, particularly in the pace-bowling all-rounder category.
“One big highlight, in my opinion, was pulling Nitish Kumar Reddy out of the Asian Games and playing him here. So, if Hardik Pandya isn’t available someday, they really want somebody who can bowl pace and bat as well,” he said.
Chopra added that Jadeja would also need to contribute consistently with both bat and ball, while competition among spin-bowling all-rounders would remain intense.
“Ravindra Jadeja will have to, of course, take wickets and score runs. Fielding has always been his strong suit. But from a World Cup point of view, you have Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, and not all of them will go to South Africa. So, someone will be left out, and therefore, every time you get an opportunity, you have to grab it with both hands,” he said.
The three-match ODI series against the West Indies will begin in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. The second match will be played in Guwahati on September 30, followed by the third ODI in Chandigarh on October 3.
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