Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma uncertain for 2027 World Cup as BCCI sends age reminder: Reports
The dynamism of T20 cricket and the soul of true cricket in the Test format often push ODIs to the back foot in the audience's perspective and the cricketing calendar. However, recent updates in the Indian setup have left fans eagerly waiting for the next phase of the 50-over white-ball format. After all, ODIs are now etched as the only playing ground for their favourites, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Still, there remains a chance that even after shifting their entire focus solely to ODIs, the seniors could miss out on participation in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
Sporadic schedule, growing age cast shadow on the participation of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in 2027 ICC ODI World Cup
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Ravindra Jadeja, found the perfect conclusion to their international careers in the shorter format. The seniors exited the T20I scene after India's historic win in Barbados, where they defeated South Africa to lift the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. The move came as a bittersweet surprise for Indian fans. Sweet, because their favourites remained available in the longer formats. However, a disappointing run in the last WTC cycle scripted their shocking exits from Test cricket as well. Making a move that was not anticipated, even in the slightest by Indian cricket fanatics, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their Test retirements ahead of the India vs England series.
Rohit posted a subdued story on his social media profile, while Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt post to sign off from his favourite format. The Test retirements of the seniors, announced within a week, jolted the Indian setup. However, after the initial shock, fans found consolation in the fact that they would still get to see them in ODIs. Yet, even with their entire focus now solely on India cricket schedule in just one format, uncertainty looms over whether Rohit and Kohli will play the all-important 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
Their path to the next World Cup in South Africa appears more complicated than anticipated. With Indian cricket undergoing a rapid transformation, particularly in the Test format, there's growing speculation that a similar generational shift could unfold in the ODI setup. As younger players continue to rise, the likelihood of both Kohli and Rohit being part of the 2027 World Cup squad seems increasingly uncertain.
The 2023 ODI World Cup had presented the ideal opportunity, Kohli chasing a second title, Rohit eyeing his first. But India’s heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final left both stalwarts with unfinished business. Now, according to a recent report, the Indian captain in the format, Rohit Sharma is going all in to maintain peak fitness in hopes of making the 2027 World Cup cut. Kohli, too, expressed his desire to win the World Cup during an RCB event held ahead of IPL 2025, calling it his next major goal.
Yet, the BCCI appears to be re-evaluating their long-term roles. Neither Kohli nor Rohit is currently assured a spot in India’s 2027 plans, with discussions reportedly planned to address their futures in the format. The board has reportedly planned to hold a conversation with the seniors, and the discussion is anticipated to revolve around their age. Rohit and Kohli will both be pushing 40 by the time the next World Cup edition kicks off. The age factor has reportedly made the BCCI skeptical about their fitness for the marquee event.
"Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup (November 2027). Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so there has to be a clear plan ahead for the big event as our last win was in 2011. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time," a source updated in the latest report.
Moreover, beyond the age factor, another key challenge lies in limited playing time. India has only 27 ODIs lined up through the end of 2026, scattered between packed Test and T20I commitments. With both Kohli and Rohit expected to play selectively, mainly sticking to ODIs, it raises concerns about whether they’ll be able to build enough rhythm and match readiness by the time 2027 World Cup arrives.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 2027 World Cup spots remain unclear. 🧐 Age could be a factor. 👀
— OneTurf News (@oneturf_news) August 6, 2025
📸: ICC#oneturfnews #teamindia #rohitsharma #viratkohli #worldcup #cricket pic.twitter.com/Rqwaii64C4
Their next potential appearance in India’s ODI XI is slated for October, during the tour of Australia, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is. After that, India will play another set of three ODIs against South Africa in November, followed by a similar series against New Zealand in the November-December window. Though these fixtures aren’t too far apart, they may not provide the ideal continuity needed, especially for players at the twilight of their careers.
The phase following the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, filled with controversial speculations, prompted multiple representatives to clarify the BCCI's stance. Time and again, it has been made clear that the BCCI does not interfere with the retirement plans of veterans. Similarly, it has been reiterated that, ultimately, the decision on whether Kohli and Rohit pursue the 2027 World Cup won’t be dictated by the board. Instead, it will come down to whether they continue to fit into India’s evolving ODI blueprint, a call that both the players and selectors will have to make together.
"Look, both Kohli and Rohit have made huge contributions to white ball cricket for the team and the sport in general. They have achieved almost everything. So, I don’t think anybody is going to force their hand, but there will be some honest and professional conversations before the next ODI cycle starts to see where they stand mentally and physically. It depends on that," the source added.
