Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli confirmed for 2027 ODI World Cup? Ganguly doubts the possibility

The India cricket setup is undergoing a significant transition. The stars of the show for over a decade are now swiftly stepping into the shadows. India's decade-long wait for an ICC trophy culminated in June 2024, as the team led by Rohit Sharma claimed the T20 World Cup. However, the historic victory scripted the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from the shorter format. While the T20I retirements came riding on the back of a milestone, their abrupt exit from the longer format was hard-hitting. After a disappointing end to the last WTC Cycle, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their Test retirements on social media. Now, the 50-over white-ball format remains the only playing field for the Indian seniors.

Sourav Ganguly predicts a hard road for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma up to the 2027 ODI World Cup

The Test retirements of the senior duo, especially Virat Kohli, arguably the fittest player in the Indian setup, didn't sit well with the viewers. However, the decision was made, and Kohli departed rather silently. As the dust settled on the monumental development, the discussion shifted to the seniors focusing solely on ODIs, eyeing a likable conclusion at the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, doubt has crept in over the possibility of the senior duo continuing until the marquee event, scheduled just over two years from now.

While the marquee ICC tournament is still over two years away, by then Kohli will be 39 and Rohit 40, raising natural questions about their longevity and fitness. However, with both stepping away from the taxing demands of Tests and T20Is, formats that dominate the calendar until then, they may now have the clarity and breathing space to dedicate themselves entirely to the 50-over format.

Still, not everyone is optimistic. Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has cast doubt on the feasibility of their 2027 dream. He believes the road ahead isn't as straightforward as fans might hope. With at least 27 ODIs scheduled before the tournament, Ganguly suggests Kohli and Rohit would need to feature in most, if not all, to truly keep their chances alive. The legendary duo has already shared glory in two ICC Champions Trophies and a T20 World Cup, but capping off their careers with an ODI World Cup triumph would be the most fitting finale to their storied journey.

"It won't be easy. 15 games a year. I've got no advice. I think they know the game as much as I do. And they will take a call. But all of us must understand that just like everyone, the game will go away from them and they will go away from the game," Ganguly said recently.

In addition to ODIs, both stars will continue to feature in the IPL. While franchise cricket may not directly impact their ODI records, the consistent match practice, with 14 games per season, will keep them physically active and mentally sharp. As for their exits from Test cricket, the rationale is understandable. Rohit hadn’t quite looked the part in Tests over the past year, while Kohli’s persistent struggle against deliveries outside off-stump, especially during the recent Border Gavaskar Trophy, proved costly. Despite being just 36, Kohli may have realised that juggling formats until the 2027 World Cup was too tall an order.

That said, neither of them can be discounted in ODIs just yet. Both were instrumental in India’s recent Champions Trophy win. Kohli racked up 218 runs at an average of 54.80, notching a century and a fifty, while Rohit contributed a valuable 180 runs, including a defining knock of 76 in the final against New Zealand. Their pedigree in ICC tournaments remains unquestionable. While South Africa’s 2027 conditions will pose new challenges, upcoming series in Australia and New Zealand will serve as crucial preparation. For Kohli and Rohit, the dream of lifting the World Cup one last time remains alive.