In massive reports that have been circulating, the selectors have hinted that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are no longer certainties for the 2027 World Cup due to their age factor. According to a report of the PTI, the BCCI is set to have 'honest conversation' with the veteran cricketers as India are also keen to try out some youngsters.
Kohli and Rohit are arguably two of India's most accomplished ODI batters of the current generation, accounting for over 20000 runs between them. The duo notably took retirement from Test cricket before the England tour where five red-ball matches were played. Both Kohli and Rohit had called time on their T20I careers after the T20 World Cup 2024 but will approach their 40s by the time next ODI World Cup arrives.
A PTI source said:
"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."
It further added:
"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."
Team India also don't play any ODI cricket until October 2025 when they tour Australia.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played critical roles in Team India's Champions Trophy 2025 win
Meanwhile, the last time Kohli and Rohit played ODI cricket was during the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium. Although Rohit had struggled for big scores in the entire tournament, he came good on the night of the final, blasting 76 off 83 deliveries to break the back of the run-chase of 252.
Kohli departed cheaply in the final but finished the event with 218 runs in five matches, headlined by key innings against Pakistan and Australia. In the process, the Men in Blue lifted the Champions Trophy for the third time.
