Ponting says India-Australia series could decide if Rohit, Kohli play next ODI World Cup

Will star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup? Cricket great Ricky Ponting thinks the answer to that will be delivered after the ongoing India-Australia ODI series Down Under.

"What we know with both of those guys, at their absolute best, yes, of course they're in India's best team," Ponting said in the 'ICC Review' alongside former India head coach Ravi Shastri.

"But can they find their best between now and when that World Cup rocks around? That's only an answer that... we'll find out in a short period of time," said the World Cup-winner.

Rohit and Kohli, both former captains, did not have a memorable return to India's ODI squad after seven months. Rohit fell for eight runs and Kohli was dismissed for a duck in the series opener in Perth that the hosts won by seven wickets.

Ponting thinks both Rohit and Kohli will aim for shot-term goals and not just hang on to try and get through to the World Cup. "Virat's always been a highly motivated person. And I'd like to think that he's probably sat down and even just given himself some goals and things that he can achieve in this series here in Australia and not be just waiting and killing time for that next World Cup to come around," Ponting said.

Shastri argued that it was natural for the duo to feel rusty after a long layoff. "It's not easy for any overseas team to land in Australia, say, two days prior to a game in Perth and adjust to those conditions straight away, especially when you have that extra bounce, and against quality fast bowlers," Shastri said.

"But I think only time will tell...I'm in no hurry to judge... it's about how much you're enjoying the sport and how much hunger is there and passion is left in you to play the game."

The next Men's Cricket World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November, 2027.