New Delhi:
After Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma jointly announced their retirement from T20Is following India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign last year, it was widely believed that the move was a strategic step to extend their careers in ODIs and Tests. However, earlier this year, both icons bid farewell to Test cricket within five days of each other, sparking speculation that the duo was gearing up for one final shot at ODI glory in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa the only ICC title they haven’t won together. Yet, it now appears that their participation in the 2027 edition is far from guaranteed.
According to reports, BCCI is uncertain about Rohit and Virat’s place in the 2027 World Cup squad as both approach 40!👀🏏 pic.twitter.com/ypRTWGlIl3
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) August 6, 2025
Age, Transition, and a Changing Landscape
According to a recent Cricbuzz report, both Rohit and Kohli remain motivated. Rohit is reportedly training hard to maintain peak fitness, while Kohli recently shared at an RCB event that winning the ODI World Cup is his next big goal.
Despite their personal ambitions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering other long-term plans. With a fast-emerging new generation of cricketers and the Indian team undergoing significant transition across formats, the presence of two veterans who will be approaching 40 by the time the next World Cup begins in November 2027, remains uncertain.
“Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup. 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 BCCI source told PTI.
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Limited ODIs Ahead: A Major Factor
India has only 27 ODIs scheduled between now and the end of 2026. These matches are scattered between Test and T20I commitments, providing limited opportunities for Kohli and Rohit especially if they play only in the 50-over format.
The next time both are expected to feature together in ODIs is during India’s tour of Australia in October 2025, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is. This will be followed by three ODIs against South Africa in November and three more versus New Zealand in late 2025.
While the gap between series may not appear long, it is significant for players in their late 30s, who need consistent match time to find rhythm particularly in a format they are no longer playing regularly.
No Forced Decisions, But Candid Conversations Ahead
Despite speculation, the BCCI is not expected to force either player into retirement. Instead, the board is planning to engage in open and honest discussions with the two stalwarts regarding their mental and physical readiness for the long road to the next World Cup.
“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.
A Dream Deferred?
For Kohli, the 2023 World Cup presented the perfect chance to win the trophy a second time, having first lifted it in 2011. For Rohit, it was his opportunity to win an ODI World Cup as captain. However, India’s heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final meant that the long-cherished dream remained unfulfilled for both.
With the road ahead uncertain, the final call will depend not only on the players’ ambitions but also on team composition, performance, and fitness assessments over the next two years. The clock is ticking but the door isn’t closed yet.
