In a stark assessment of the sport's landscape, veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has cast doubt on the long-term viability of One Day International (ODI) cricket. The seasoned off-spinner emphasized that the format desperately needs magnetic personalities like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to sustain fan interest and suggested its future may be bleak after the next World Cup.
The Stark Prediction: A Timeline for ODIs?
The 39-year-old cricketer opined that he does not see a future for ODIs beyond the 2027 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in South Africa. This statement, made public on January 2, 2026, adds to the growing global debate about the place of the 50-over format in an increasingly crowded calendar dominated by T20 franchise leagues.
Characters Like Rohit and Kohli Are Vital
Ashwin pinpointed a crucial element for the format's survival: star power. He argued that ODI cricket requires iconic figures and compelling narratives to keep audiences engaged. Players like Rohit Sharma, with his explosive batting and captaincy, and Virat Kohli, with his relentless consistency and massive global following, are the kind of characters who can draw viewers to the ODI arena.
Their ability to perform in high-pressure situations and create memorable moments is seen as essential. Without such drawing cards, Ashwin implies, the format risks becoming a monotonous fixture, losing ground to the faster pace of T20 cricket.
The Context and the Road to 2027
The comment sets a clear, albeit concerning, timeline for the format. All eyes will now be on the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa as a potential watershed moment. The tournament's success, both in terms of viewership and the quality of cricket, could be a major factor in determining the ODI's fate.
Ashwin's perspective reflects a sentiment felt by many in the cricketing community. The rise of domestic T20 leagues worldwide has shifted player priorities and audience consumption patterns, putting the traditional ODI series under significant pressure.
What This Means for Cricket's Ecosystem
If Ashwin's prediction holds weight, the international cricket calendar may undergo a radical transformation post-2027. Boards might be forced to prioritize T20 bilateral series and ICC events while potentially phasing out most ODI tours. This would have profound implications for:
- Player Workloads: A shift away from ODIs could ease physical strain but concentrate more T20 matches.
- Records & Legacy: The historical significance of ODI statistics and milestones could change.
- Broadcast & Revenue: Media rights and sponsorship models would need to adapt to a two-format world.
Ultimately, Ashwin's comments serve as a wake-up call for administrators. They highlight the urgent need to reinvent and re-market the 50-over game, ensuring it remains a compelling product for the next generation of fans, even after the era of modern greats like Kohli and Sharma concludes.
