R Ashwin Fears ODI Cricket Could Fade After 2027, Says Kohli and Rohit Are Keeping It Alive
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced serious doubts about the long-term future of One Day International cricket, suggesting the format may struggle to survive beyond the 2027 World Cup.
Ashwin believes ODI cricket’s relevance is closely tied to the presence of superstar players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With both senior batters already having stepped away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, Ashwin fears that once they move on from ODIs as well, fan interest could drop sharply.
Speaking on his Hindi YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin admitted he is genuinely concerned about what lies ahead for the 50-over format.
“I’m not sure about the future of ODI cricket after the 2027 World Cup,” Ashwin said. “I’m a little worried. I follow the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but not in the same way I follow the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. We need to understand what the audience actually wants to watch. I feel Test cricket still has space, but ODI cricket, honestly, doesn’t seem to have that space anymore.”
Ashwin elucidated the situation of One Day International (ODI) cricket as being in a very awkward and uncomfortable middle ground. On the one hand, Test cricket has a long-term context and retains its traditional value through the World Test Championship, and on the other T20 cricket is all about speed, entertainment, and global leagues. However, bilateral ODI series often feel isolated and lack a larger story.
He pointed out the difference between test matches and ODI series in this respect. While every test match contributes to the climactic final of a championship, most ODI series do not provide the fans with the feeling of continuity or purpose.
The importance of star power
Ashwin also underlined how heavily ODIs currently rely on marquee names to attract spectators. He pointed to a recent example where ticket sales for the Vizag ODI against South Africa surged only after Virat Kohli scored a century in Ranchi.
Similar patterns have been seen in domestic cricket. Rohit Sharma’s presence reportedly drew large crowds in Jaipur, while Vijay Hazare Trophy matches featuring Kohli saw limited attendance.
“When Rohit and Virat came back to play Vijay Hazare Trophy, people started watching,” Ashwin said. “We all know sport is bigger than individuals, but sometimes these players need to return to make the game relevant. Vijay Hazare Trophy isn’t followed much, but people tuned in because of them. The question is — what happens when they stop playing ODIs?”
India’s next ODI challenge
Despite the concerns, ODI cricket continues for now, with India set to face New Zealand in a three-match series starting January 11.
Ashwin’s comments have reignited debate around the future of the 50-over format, raising uncomfortable questions about whether ODIs can sustain themselves in a cricketing world increasingly dominated by Tests with context and T20s with spectacle.
