BCCI looking at Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for 2027 ODI World Cup? Irfan Pathan opines
While the time is right for the board to start preparing for the next ODI World Cup, fans have picked up on the discussion remarkably early. On paper, the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup is still two years away in the schedule. However, for Indian cricket fanatics, the focus has already shifted to the marquee event. A lot of this phenomenon has to do with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. As the Indian seniors now remain active solely in the ODI format, the audience can't wait for the 50-over format to kick into action. However, it's not just the bilaterals that would suffice for fans who demand clarity on the possibility of Rohit and Kohli playing the next ODI World Cup.
Irfan Pathan talks about the chances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup
As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma gear up for their return to international cricket, attention now shifts to the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia starting October 19. The upcoming tour in the India cricket schedule will be the first time since the Champions Trophy final that the duo will turn out for India. Meanwhile, the Australia series could play a decisive role in shaping the team’s long-term plans. With the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup on the horizon, the key question is whether Rohit and Kohli will still be part of India’s campaign in South Africa.
At present, the answer remains uncertain, perhaps even for the two senior pros themselves. Several reports have made contentious revelations recently. Some of these reports, quoting BCCI insiders, have ruled out the chances of the seniors playing the ODI World Cup. By the time the World Cup arrives, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39. Speculation is already swirling that their ODI careers may be nearing an end if consistency becomes an issue.
Despite their strong performances earlier this year in March, the next couple of seasons will determine how their journey unfolds. According to former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, the biggest hurdle for both will be maintaining enough match practice. With retirement already announced from T20Is and Tests, ODIs and the IPL are now the only formats left in their schedule. Yet, Pathan believes that if the two can sustain their rhythm, there’s little stopping the seniors from being part of India’s 2027 ODI World Cup setup.
"For Kohli and Rohit, the only challenge would be to play regular cricket. Otherwise, they are all outstanding. Talking about these professional cricketers, whose only focus is to play cricket for now, the biggest challenge for them would be playing regularly and staying fit. Virat is going to play IPL only, and then whenever there is First-Class cricket, but just to play and not to prove anything. World Cup 2027 won’t be a challenge if continuity of the game time is handled. Unfortunately, there will be pressure on them," Pathan told
Both stalwarts have already begun their preparations. Kohli has been working intensively in the indoor nets at Lord’s, while Rohit Sharma, after returning from a short holiday, has started training in Mumbai under the guidance of former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. Still, much of their future could hinge on the vision of India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. Pathan feels both Agarkar and Gambhir have their strategies mapped out for 2027 ODI World Cup. However, Pathan stresses that clear communication with the players will be vital in deciding how “Ro-Ko” fits into India’s long-term ODI blueprint.
"I really think that should be the case, and I hope that the communication has been very clear," Pathan said. "Knowing Gautam and Ajit, I think they have made it very clear in terms of communication. And as I said, having game time regularly will keep away all sorts of challenges. If you're talking about 2027, that challenge will be there because they're not playing for India currently. After, say, three games against Australia and IPL, if there is a big gap, then the continuity breaks," he added.
