Doubts grow over 2027 World Cup prospects
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s place in India’s ODI setup beyond this year is under increasing scrutiny, with multiple reports suggesting the iconic pair may not be in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) long-term plans for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Both players, who stepped away from Test and T20I cricket earlier this year, have targeted the 50-over format as their final frontier — but selectors appear to be looking at a younger core for the next cycle.
According to multiple reports, the upcoming three-match series against Australia from October 19–25 could be the duo’s last international outing in ODIs. The tour will be followed by home series against South Africa and New Zealand, but any continuation into 2026 and beyond may come with strict conditions.
BCCI’s current focus and immediate priorities
A senior BCCI source, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, outlined the board’s short-term priorities.
“Obviously, if they (Rohit and Kohli) have something in mind, they would tell the BCCI brass like they did before the England Test tour. But from an Indian team’s perspective, the next big assignment is the T20 World Cup in February and preparations before that. The immediate focus will be on sending the best team for the Asia Cup T20 tournament, hoping all players are fit and available.”
The BCCI is understood to be taking a measured approach, mindful of the public sentiment around two players who have collectively scored over 25,000 ODI runs and 83 centuries. Both last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where Kohli struck a match-winning hundred against Pakistan and Rohit produced a half-century in the final.
Domestic cricket as a selection condition
The most contentious element in the reported plans involves a possible requirement for Kohli and Rohit to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), India’s domestic one-day competition starting December 24, if they wish to be considered for the 2027 World Cup cycle.
One team management source was quoted in a Dainik Jagran report as saying:
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma do not fit in our plans for the ODI World Cup 2027.”
The reports suggest that participation in domestic List A cricket is being viewed as vital to maintaining match readiness. Both players complied with a similar directive earlier this year when they played Ranji Trophy matches for their states following a BCCI mandate for red-ball hopefuls.
Crowded schedule limits VHT opportunities
Even if they do agree to play, fitting the VHT into their calendar will be challenging.
“Even if they play Vijay Hazare, before that there would already be six ODIs that will be played. In between the Australia ODIs and the South Africa ODIs, there is an India A series against South Africa A where three List A games (50 overs) will be held at Rajkot on November 13, 16 and 19 respectively. Now, will the duo want to play those three A games, or possibly two, before the South Africa series is the question. Even more important is whether Ajit Agarkar and his colleagues would want that,” the BCCI source speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity.
“Overlapping the Vijay Hazare Trophy (December 24, 2025 – January 18, 2025) will be the three ODIs between India and New Zealand (January 11, 14, 18). So even if they play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, it can’t be for more than two to three games,” he added.
A legacy at a crossroads
Kohli, 36, and Rohit, 38, are among the most accomplished ODI players in history. Kohli has amassed 14,181 runs in 302 matches at an average of 57.88, including a record 51 centuries. Rohit has scored 11,168 runs in 273 matches at 48.76, with 32 centuries and three double hundreds — a feat unmatched in the format.
Whether their careers end with a farewell in Australia or continue towards 2027 will depend not only on their form in the remaining fixtures this year but also on their willingness to meet the BCCI’s domestic cricket requirements.
