Kapil Dev shares his opinion on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s spots in the ODI World Cup 2027 squad

The Indian team is currently busy with a five-match T20I series in England, but all eyes are on the ODI series starting July 14, which will feature both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in about 15 months, and both veteran Indian cricketers have already begun intensive preparations for it. However, it remains difficult to say for certain whether the duo will actually play in that World Cup. 

Recently, legendary former Indian captain Kapil Dev shared his thoughts on the possibility of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing in the 2027 World Cup. He stated that the decision regarding the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 2027 World Cup squad should not rest solely with Gautam Gambhir and ODI captain Shubman Gill. That decision belongs to the selection committee. There are five selectors involved; the opinions of the captain and coach should be sought only after the team has been selected.

When asked if he felt the team management led by Gautam Gambhir might not want Virat Kohli and Rohit in the 2027 World Cup squad, he replied:

"Look, five selectors pick the team. If their thinking is sound, that is what matters," Kapil Dev said.

"Selectors consult the captain and discuss matters with the coach later. But if all five selectors have decided that a player is good, then there is no need to go to the captain or the manager." "If the selectors are doing their job properly, then it's fine," he added.

The conversation with Kapil then moved on to the age of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He was asked if he felt that their age was the reason there was no certainty yet regarding their spots in the 2027 World Cup squad. The 1983 World Cup winning captain remarked that at that age, a slump in form can prove costly. He said;

"I don't know what the selectors are thinking. Sometimes people ask how a 25-year-old player can retire, yet it happens. But if you are fit and have the ability—if you can play at the age of 39 or 40—then why not? If your performance is good, don't look at the age."

"The problem with age is that if your form dips, the public and everyone else will say, 'His time is up.' But if the same poor form affects a 20-year-old player, people say, 'It doesn't matter; his time will come, he will make a comeback.'"