2027 ODI World Cup: Sourav Ganguly makes a big statement on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future - 'won't be easy'

Ganguly Foresees Fitness Challenges for Kohli and Sharma in 2027 World Cup

Dubai: India's Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final cricket match between India and Australia, in Dubai, UAE. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) *** Local Caption ***

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has suggested that maintaining peak fitness and securing their places in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup could be a tough ask for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He pointed to the limited opportunities both players will have, with approximately only 15 international games each year until the tournament.

The next ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. By the time the tournament arrives, Kohli will be 38 years old, while Sharma will be nearing 40.

India has 27 ODIs planned across nine bilateral series leading up to the World Cup, which averages to about 15 international games annually for both players.

"All of us must understand, just like everyone, the game will go away from them and they will go away from the game," Ganguly told PTI.

"It won't be easy, with 15 games a year," he added, emphasizing the challenges both players will face.

Both Kohli and Sharma, who have collectively amassed 25,000 runs and 83 international centuries, have expressed their desire to participate in the 50-over global event after their recent retirements from Test cricket.

When asked if he had any advice for the two veteran cricketers, Ganguly responded, "I have got no advice. I think they know the game as much I do. They will take a call."

Ganguly admitted that finding a suitable replacement for Kohli would require time. However, he expressed confidence in the future of Indian cricket even after their eventual retirement.

"I was not concerned at all. Virat is a class player. Finding his replacement will take time. But the rest, I wasn't surprised," he stated.

Speaking about former player Yuvraj Singh, Ganguly lauded his outstanding career in white-ball cricket, while acknowledging his limited opportunities in Test matches.

"I remember seeing Yuvraj for the first time in Nairobi and saw that he is special. What he went on to do for India after that in one-day cricket is unreal. He was 2007 World T20 player of the series, 2011 World Cup, player of the series, runs, wickets fielding, he was special," Ganguly recalled.

"Unfortunately he did not get many opportunities in Test matches. He played about 30 odd Test matches, he got stuck between Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and VVS Laxman, but a special player," he concluded.