Aakash Chopra urges fair selection process, questions if star players should feature in World Cup 2027

Aakash Chopra voices concern over India’s selection approach, suggesting that senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli must earn their 2027 World Cup spots through current form

Aakash Chopra (Image Credit: X)

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has opened up on the ongoing debate surrounding India’s team selection, calling for a more performance-based approach. Chopra questioned whether stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be automatic picks for the 2027 World Cup, emphasizing that no player, regardless of their stature, should be selected purely on reputation.

The former opener also hinted at the existence of subtle favoritism within Indian cricket, arguing that selectors sometimes hesitate to make tough calls involving senior players. According to Chopra, such tendencies could block opportunities for deserving youngsters who are performing consistently at the domestic and international levels.

"The preparations are on for the second Test, but the focus is more on the big news currently. The big news is that Rohit Sharma is not there as a captain, and Virat Kohli is there, but nobody knows what the road ahead will be. I read an article where it was written that their selection will be merit-based," said Aakash Chopra in his YouTube video.

"I am wondering when their selection was not merit-based. Meritocracy only works. There is no favoritism or quota system here. India are doing well because whoever is good plays here. If you are good, you will play for India, and if you do well consistently, you will remain in the team," he added.

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Aakash Chopra’s strong message for selectors

Aakash Chopra’s remarks serve as a reminder that cricket is ultimately a performance-driven game. He asserted that while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been legends of Indian cricket, their places in the 2027 setup should depend entirely on how they perform in the coming years. The focus, he said, should be on maintaining competitive standards and ensuring that every selection is justified by numbers, not names.

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As India looks ahead to the next World Cup cycle, Chopra’s call for fairness and meritocracy underscores a growing sentiment within Indian cricket, that it’s time to embrace change while respecting the contributions of past greats. Whether the selectors will take that bold step remains to be seen, but the debate has clearly been reignited.

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