Ricky Ponting backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for ODI World Cup 2027

For a long while, questions have been raised regarding the participation of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI World Cup 2027. Both have said many times that they want to play the 2027 World Cup, but the BCCI and the coach have not yet given any clarity on playing both senior players in the World Cup. Now, only 15 months are left for the World Cup to start, and the Indian team management has also started preparations for that event. After IPL 2026, the Indian team will start its World Cup preparation with a series of 1 Test and 3 ODI matches against Afghanistan at home. Fans are eagerly awaiting the ODI series, as it will see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in action once again.

Many cricket experts want to see Rohit and Virat playing in the World Cup, while some are still hesitant to say anything, keeping in mind their fitness. Now, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed Rohit and Virat's experience and said that both players are constantly pushing themselves to play in the 2027 World Cup.

"I can see them pushing ahead and trying to get there. One thing I've always said about champion players is you never say no. You never write them off," Ponting, the head coach of Punjab Kings in the IPL, told PTI. 

Ponting has confidence in both players and said that, despite their age, both players are ruling at the highest level of cricket. Ponting pointed to the performance and mindset of both players, especially in IPL 2026. In IPL 2026, Virat Kohli scored 542 runs in 13 innings at an average of 54.20. He has smashed 1 century and 4 half-centuries so far in the season. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma scored 283 runs in 8 innings at an average of 40.42, including 2 half-centuries. 

"Virat's been a good example of that again through this IPL. He's not playing as much international cricket as he once was, but that determination and want to win is still there. Rohit Sharma has turned up at this IPL in better physical condition than I've seen him probably in about 10 or 12 years. "So the passion is still there for those guys to push on and make themselves the best players they can be. So like I said, you never say never," added the Australian icon.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 is set to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October-November 2027. It will be fascinating to see which direction the Indian ODI team heads in.