In just one week, theIndian cricket team will be taking on the West Indies in the three-match ODI series. It will kick-start the 2027 ODI World Cup preparations, with the tournament just 12 months away.

It will also be a key series for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Both batters were last seen in action during the ODI series against England in July. There have been questions asked about Rohit’s place in the team. However, his century in the Lord’s ODI put an end to all speculations about the player’s future.

Speaking to JioStar, former Indian opening batter Aakash Chopra said, “The ODI World Cup is a year away.

If both Rohit and Virat get in, they will score runs, win you games and possibly also win you some titles as well. So if we look at it from that perspective, theonly expectation from both players will be to keep scoring runs.”

Ahead of the team announcement, it was speculated that Rishabh Pant would be included in the side.

Dhruv Jurel has been called up for the series as KL Rahul’s backup. Speaking about this, Chopra said, “One has to make the best of the available players. If you notice, Rahul has been made the vice-captain of the side with Shreyas Iyer, who will be playing in the Asian Games.”

He also added, “There will be massive questions raised on Pant, but I also liked that Jurel has been selected. So, if we consider all the circumstances, then a very good team has been made and kudos to the selection panel.”

1983 World Cup winner makes huge statement on Rohit and Virat

Sandeep Patil was a guest on the Sportsnext podcast, where he was asked about the two batting stars’ future and their participation in the next ODI World Cup.

Patil said, “It will be up to those two players if they want to continue or not. What are the selectors thinking? Are they looking ahead? Along with the current players, we also have to see if there is someone good enough to replace these two players.”

“Considering whatever I said before, if we look at Team India’s bench strength, whether Virat and Rohit are part of the team or not, there won’t be any problems.

Rohit is a legend in the white-ball format, and no words can do justice to Kohli’s talents.”