New Delhi:
As debates continue over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, a past statement by India head coach Gautam Gambhir has resurfaced, offering clarity on his stance regarding the veteran duo’s chances of featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Before India’s tour of England, Gambhir was asked about Kohli and Rohit’s long-term ambitions and whether they remain part of his plans for the 2027 tournament. Known for his straightforward opinions, Gambhir said that while the focus is currently on the 2026 T20 World Cup, only consistent performance will keep the two legends in contention for the next ODI World Cup.
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“We still have a T20 World Cup before that, and that is again a huge tournament that is going to happen in India in February-March. So the entire focus at the moment, after England, will be on the T20 World Cup. November-December 2027 is still two-and-a-half years away,” Gambhir told CNN-News18.
“And I’ve always said one thing if you keep performing, age is just a number.”
🚨 Big Breaking 🚨
Australia might witness the final series of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Team management is reportedly not including them in the 2027 World Cup plans
To stay in the ODI squad, both may have to prove themselves again in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
This… pic.twitter.com/PvNcZNnztm
— Crikistaan (@crikistaan) August 10, 2025
Upcoming Assignments and Selection Challenges
India will play a three-match ODI series against Australia in October, followed by a similar series against South Africa. Reports suggest the BCCI selection committee is considering moving on from the senior duo to provide more opportunities to youngsters ahead of the 2027 event.
Some sources even claim that the Australia series could be the last ODI assignment for both Rohit and Kohli unless they prove themselves in domestic cricket. The Vijay Hazare Trophy and India A matches could become crucial platforms for the two to extend their ODI careers.
While Gambhir emphasised that performance will be the ultimate deciding factor in selection, other considerations such as team balance, fitness, and long-term planning could also play a role in shaping the futures of Kohli and Rohit in ODI cricket.
