The 2027 ODI World Cup is still some time away, but the question surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s availability for the global tournament has already started to attract considerable attention. The marquee 50-over event is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the tournament expected to bring together the world’s leading ODI sides. For India, one of the biggest talking points will be whether two of their most influential modern-day batters, Kohli and Rohit, will still be around when the competition begins.

Both players have been central figures in Indian cricket for more than a decade and played important roles in the team’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. However, with the next edition approaching, questions about their long-term ODI futures remain. Amid the uncertainty, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has offered an encouraging assessment of the possibility of seeing the veteran duo continue.

Rajeev Shukla opens up on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Shukla stressed that the final call on selection will rest with the national selectors, but he believes both Kohli and Rohit still have plenty to offer in international cricket. Speaking to Sports Yaari, Shukla said, “Only the selectors will decide that but I feel Rohit and Kohli still have a lot of cricket left in them.”

The statement keeps the door open for both former India captains without making any definitive prediction about their participation in the 2027 World Cup. Shukla’s comments also underline the distinction between a player’s desire or ability to continue and the selection process that ultimately determines who makes the squad.

For Kohli and Rohit, their experience could be particularly valuable in a World Cup environment. Both have featured in multiple global tournaments and have dealt with the unique pressure that comes with representing India on the biggest stage. At the same time, India’s selectors will have to consider several factors, including form, fitness, workload and the development of the next generation of ODI players before finalising the squad for 2027.

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Expectations high from Team India

India will enter the 2027 World Cup with significant expectations, particularly after their impressive campaign in the previous edition. The Rohit Sharma-led side went through the 2023 tournament unbeaten in the league stage and advanced to the final before Australia ended their title hopes in the summit clash.

The next World Cup will bring a different challenge, with Shubman Gill now leading India in the ODI setup. The transition towards a younger leadership group has naturally added another dimension to the debate over Kohli and Rohit’s future. Gill’s India will be expected to compete strongly for the title, while the presence of experienced campaigners such as Kohli and Rohit, should they remain available, could provide an additional layer of stability.

For now, though, their 2027 participation remains undecided. As Shukla pointed out, that decision ultimately belongs to the selectors. Until then, the possibility of seeing Kohli and Rohit walk out for another World Cup remains one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding Indian cricket.

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