As India looks ahead to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, two legendary names remain in the spotlight—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both veterans are currently active only in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has raised questions around their long-term fitness and form heading into what could be their final World Cup appearance.
Will Kohli and Rohit Feature Beyond the Australia ODIs?
According to recent reports, both Kohli and Rohit may bow out of ODI cricket following the upcoming series against Australia next month. This could open the door for a new Indian captain to begin preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has weighed in on the situation, stressing the importance of clear communication between the players, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
“I really think that should be the case, and I hope that the communication has been very clear,” Pathan said in a conversation with RevSportz. “Knowing Gautam and Ajit, I think they have made it very clear in terms of communication.”
Pathan pointed out that the biggest challenge for both senior players will be maintaining match fitness and consistency. With only a handful of ODIs and IPL matches on their calendar, long gaps between games could disrupt their rhythm and preparation.
Game Time, Fitness & the Road to 2027
Irfan Pathan revealed that Rohit Sharma personally told him he’s eager to represent India at the 2027 World Cup, and Virat Kohli has shown similar intent—particularly with how seriously he’s been training in England.
“For both of them, the only challenge is playing regular cricket,” Pathan explained. “They are world-class professionals and don’t need to prove anything. But the gap between matches, especially with ODIs taking a backseat to T20 cricket, makes it hard to maintain continuity.”
Currently, India is set to play 27 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, with the possibility of more being added. Kohli and Rohit’s involvement in these matches could be pivotal if India wants to lift the trophy again—something they haven’t done since 2011.
Pathan emphasized that both stars are serious about their fitness. “Rohit is very focused on staying fit. And Virat, with the way he’s been seen practising in England, is also clearly committed,” he said. “The keenness from both players is a good sign.”
As of now, the future of Kohli and Rohit in ODIs rests not just on their passion for the game, but on how well they can manage their workload, stay fit, and maintain game time.
Their presence could make all the difference for India’s World Cup dreams.
