Virat Kohli done with ODIs? Gambhir-Agarkar drop major 2027 World Cup hint
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI futures spark debate as Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar make their 2027 World Cup stance clear.
The return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming ODI series against Australia from October 19 will be closely watched, as it will mark their first appearance since the Champions Trophy final.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa over two years away, questions around their future in the format continue to dominate discussions.
By then, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit 40, an age where very few players feature in World Cup XIs. While both batters remain in top physical condition, the challenge lies in maintaining form and continuity, as highlighted by former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
“Virat has been practising in England, and Rohit is working hard on his fitness. The keenness is there, and that matters,” Pathan said.
However, the bigger decision will come from India’s think tank. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are said to have a “very clear” roadmap for the 2027 World Cup. Pathan stressed that clarity in communication with the two senior pros will be important.
“Knowing Gautam and Ajit, I think they have made it very clear. But for Kohli and Rohit, regular game time is critical. If there are long breaks after the Australia ODIs and the IPL, continuity becomes an issue.”
India are set to play at least 27 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, and possibly more once the updated FTP is announced. Their participation in a majority of these fixtures will determine if the two stalwarts can push for one last ICC title in blue.
