Will Kohli and Rohit Play in 2027 WC
1. Introduction: A Bold Prediction by Sunil Gavaskar
Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been synonymous with India’s dominance in white-ball cricket over the past decade. However, former Indian captain and cricketing icon Sunil Gavaskar has now made a bold statement regarding their future. In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar expressed doubt over the participation of Rohit and Kohli in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, citing age, fitness, and the evolving dynamics of international cricket.
READ ALSO –
⸻
2. Gavaskar’s Honest Take on the Duo’s ODI Future
Speaking on Sports Today on May 12, Sunil Gavaskar acknowledged the extraordinary contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Indian cricket but emphasized that time may no longer be on their side.
“They have been massive performers in this format of the game. But the selection committee will look at 2027 and think — can they still contribute at the same level?”
According to Gavaskar, while their legacy is undeniable, the Indian team management might now look to build a younger core to carry the baton forward.
⸻
3. Age Factor: A Major Deciding Element
The biggest concern revolves around age and fitness. Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old, and Virat Kohli will be 38 when the 2027 ODI World Cup arrives. While both have shown tremendous fitness throughout their careers, sustaining that intensity, especially in 50-over cricket, becomes harder with age.
Rohit’s fitness has already come under scrutiny, especially during IPL 2025 where he has not been actively fielding. On the other hand, Kohli, despite his renowned work ethic, has shown signs of slowing down during the early phases of his innings.
IPL 2025 Set to Resume on May 17 Final on June 3 All You Need to Know
4. Recent Retirements from Test and T20I Formats
Another major indicator of the approaching end to their international careers is their recent retirement announcements. Within just five days of each other, both Rohit and Kohli bid adieu to Test cricket. Rohit officially retired from the longest format on May 7, and Virat followed on May 12.
This decision came less than a year after they retired from T20 internationals after leading India to a historic win in the T20 World Cup 2024. These retirements strongly suggest that the players are consciously winding down their international commitments.
⸻
5. Champions Trophy 2025 – A Glorious Campaign
Despite retirement talks, Rohit and Kohli were pivotal in India’s Champions Trophy victory held in the UAE, which was originally scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. India remained unbeaten in the tournament, with both senior batters showcasing their class and experience.
This impressive run reignited hopes among fans that they might extend their careers until the 2027 World Cup. However, Gavaskar believes that isolated performances won’t be enough unless they maintain consistent form over the next couple of years.
6. Gavaskar Leaves Room for a Comeback – But With a Caveat
Although Gavaskar feels the chances are slim, he did leave a small window open for the two to make a comeback:
“If they strike a rich vein of form and keep scoring hundreds and hundreds, even God can’t drop them,” he said.
This comment reflects the reality that in cricket, form and fitness can often trump age. If either of them showcases undeniable form and proves their value, selectors will have a tough choice to make.
⸻
7. The Changing Face of Indian Cricket
India’s ODI setup is undergoing a transformation with several young stars like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh stepping up. The rise of aggressive and athletic players may push selectors to prepare a squad that fits the demands of modern-day ODI cricket — fast-paced, flexible, and fiercely competitive.
The BCCI selection committee is likely to focus on building a squad that can peak in 2027, which may result in veterans like Rohit and Kohli making way for the next generation.
Not Bumrah Pant to Become Vice Captain Under Shubman Gill for England Series
8. Fan Sentiment: A Difficult Pill to Swallow
For Indian fans, the idea of a World Cup squad without Kohli and Rohit is difficult to digest. Both players have been central to India’s success across formats for over a decade.
From Rohit’s explosive double hundreds to Kohli’s record chase masterclasses, the duo has given Indian fans countless memories. Their absence will surely leave a void, not just in performance, but also in leadership and experience.
⸻
9. Selection Committee’s Dilemma Ahead of 2027
The Indian selectors now face a crucial task. Do they stick with experience or move ahead with youth? Gavaskar’s comments have sparked an important conversation — should selections be made purely based on reputation, or should form and long-term planning take precedence?
A lot will depend on how Kohli and Rohit perform in the next 12-18 months. Strong IPL performances, key contributions in bilateral ODI series, and superior fitness levels could change the narrative.
⸻
10. Conclusion: An End of an Era?
Sunil Gavaskar’s statement may just be the beginning of a long discussion about India’s roadmap to the 2027 ODI World Cup. While it’s too early to completely write off two of the most decorated cricketers in Indian history, the transition appears to be underway.
Whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make it to the 2027 World Cup or not, their contributions to Indian cricket will remain legendary. Their leadership, consistency, and hunger to perform have shaped Indian cricket into a global force. But as the cricketing world looks ahead, India might just be preparing for life beyond the two icons.
⸻
