BCCI’s ODI World Cup 2027 Plan Puts Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma In Doubt

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may have stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket, but they are still very much part of India’s One-Day International (ODI) setup. Rohit Sharma continues to lead the 50-over team, while Virat remains a huge influence with the bat. For now, all eyes are on the 2027 ODI World Cup, though neither player has revealed any concrete plans about their future in the format.

2027 ODI World Cup Spots Not Guaranteed

If a recent report is to be believed, making it to that tournament might not be as straightforward for the two cricket icons as some fans expect.

According to Dainik Jagran, there is no guarantee that either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma will find a spot in India’s squad for the 2027 World Cup. Since they no longer play T20Is or Tests, their match practice in the coming years will be limited, which is a concern for both the selectors and the BCCI top brass.

Vijay Hazare Trophy Could Be Crucial

The report suggests that to stay in contention, both players would need to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic one-day tournament, which begins this December. Without playing in that competition, their chances of making the ODI World Cup squad could be slim.

“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma do not fit in our plans for the ODI World Cup 2027,” the publication quoted a source from the team management as saying. It even claimed that both players were keen to join the England tour but were told by selectors that they were unlikely to be picked. Following that, they decided to announce their retirement from the format.

India’s next ODI series is against Australia in October, and the report hints that this could be the farewell series for the legendary duo. At this stage, a return to domestic cricket does not seem likely for them, it adds.

Shubman Gill’s Rise Strengthens Youth Movement

In the meantime, Shubman Gill, fresh from a successful Test series in England, has further convinced selectors that he could be India’s captain across formats in the future. With several young players already performing well, the team management might lean toward sticking with fresh faces for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India has already moved on from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in T20Is and Tests, and it now looks like a similar transition could be coming in the one-day game too, leaving the two greats in a tricky spot regarding their ODI future.