Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Make the Cut for the 2027 ODI World Cup? Experts Weigh In

The Indian cricket team has begun its build-up for the 2027 World Cup with the announcement of the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia. In a clear shift in leadership strategy, the management has handed over the captaincy to Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer appointed as his deputy. Rohit Sharma, who captained the side for four years after Virat Kohli, has been included in the squad, but notably not in a leadership role.

With the emergence of dynamic stroke-makers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rohit's place in the final World Cup squad is anything but certain. By the time the 2027 tournament begins, he will be over 40 years old, and age, fitness and form will all be closely scrutinised. The selectors appear to be shifting towards a younger core, and even a player of Rohit’s stature will need to prove his worth to stay in the mix.

Virat Kohli, meanwhile, finds himself in a slightly different but equally delicate situation. Despite an outstanding revival in ODI cricket over the past two years — including top-class performances in the 2023 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy — his future too is under a cloud of uncertainty. Kohli has retired from two formats and hasn't been active in the domestic circuit. While his pedigree is unquestionable and his ODI form has remained consistent, questions are being raised about whether past records alone will be enough to secure him a place in the 2027 World Cup squad.

The BCCI has made its stance clear — players must prove their commitment by participating in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and other white-ball competitions. The message is straightforward: no exceptions, regardless of seniority or past achievements. That raises an important question — will Virat Kohli be held to the same standard? Or will the selectors make an exception for a player who has been the face of Indian cricket for over a decade?

If Kohli chooses to skip this season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy and other domestic fixtures, the selection committee may be forced to take a tough call. While fans would love to see him continue through to 2027, the new era of Indian cricket appears to be built on merit, fitness and form — not legacy.

In the latest episode of Democratic Review System, an opinion-based column, sports reporters, producers and writers from the India Today Group share their thoughts on if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will make it to the ODI World Cup in 2027.

1. Nikhil Naz

Is Virat Kohli still one of the best ODI batters in the world? Is Virat Kohli still one of the fittest players in the world? If the answer to both these questions is yes (which it is), then there should be no reason not to have Virat play the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Rohit Sharma too, much like Virat, remains one of the best in the business when it comes to ODI batsmanship. His numbers in the last two years—average of 48 and strike rate of 122—are testament to that. If he can commit himself to a strict fitness regime (as is evident from his recent weight-loss pictures and his BCCI fitness test reports) there should be no reason why he shouldn’t become the first 40-year-old to play a World Cup for India.

And whilst in T20 cricket the Indian supply line was keeping these two stalwarts on their toes—eventually pushing them out to make way for a young, more aggressive approach—but in ODI cricket Virat and Rohit the batters still remain ahead of the curve and their experience would be invaluable in helping India mount a charge to win yet another ICC trophy.

2. Akshay Ramesh

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should not be viewed through the same lens. While Rohit has been one of the greatest white-ball batters of his generation, questions remain over whether his fitness will hold up when he is 41, and whether his reflexes will be as sharp as they were during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Kohli, on the other hand, could comfortably feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup if he retains his hunger and drive. Match readiness will be a crucial factor for both stalwarts, and regular domestic cricket will be essential to maintain it. Participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is a must, and the two could even consider a stint or two in England’s Royal London One-Day Cup to stay competitive.

3. Biswa Mohan Mishra

Playing in the next Cricket World Cup is now becoming difficult for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The thinking of the team management and the selection committee is becoming increasingly clear — they have started moving in the direction of building a new team with the future in mind. As part of this strategy, the roles of senior players are gradually being reduced.

Rohit Sharma has already been relieved of his captaincy duties, so that the transition within the team can proceed smoothly. The selectors and team management are trying to ensure that this period of change happens without any controversy or unnecessary noise. That is why both Rohit and Kohli have been included in the squad for the Australia tour — to ensure the transition appears natural and respectful.

However, this selection may be largely symbolic, as the focus in the coming months is set to be on younger players. The team management believes that by the 2027 World Cup, a new core team should be in place, and experiments toward that goal have already begun.

4. Siddharth Viswanathan

ODI cricket is suddenly in focus in India and the world, primarily because of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The success of India in the 2025 Champions Trophy has meant that ODIs still have relevance. In the last couple of years, both Rohit and Virat have not had a dip in form. Rohit has a strike rate of 111 since 2023 with an average of close to 50. Virat, on the other hand, averages a staggering 65 with a strike rate of 88. On current form and performance, how can you drop Virat and Rohit? The only thing that goes against Virat and Rohit is the playing gap. They will be playing after a gap of five months and it will continue until 2026. If their performances for the next six ODIs do not live up to expectations, considering the short rope for ODIs, then their chances take a big hit. But, for all their past contributions, knowing the Indian thinking and psyche, the duo will play the 2027 World Cup and finish their story on a high.

5. Rishabh Beniwal

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been stalwarts of Indian cricket over the past 12 years, having won several matches for the team. However, with both being on the wrong side of the 30s, there have been questions raised about their participation in the ODI World Cup 2027. While Kohli has performed phenomenally over the past few years, maintaining his form in both the World Cup 2023 and the Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit struggled for form in India's Champions Trophy triumph. With the next World Cup two years away, the scrutiny on their form would be intense. Especially in Rohit's case, as India already have Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings to replace him. On the other hand, the team doesn't have any direct contender for the number three spot apart from Kohli, but the likes of Shreyas Iyer or KL Rahul could be shuffled up the order to make way for some youngster down the order. The team management should take the call, depending on the form of both stalwarts. If they prove their worth in the lead-up to the tournament, they should be given a chance to feature in the next World Cup. However, if the form isn't on their side, they should be asked to step aside as no one's bigger than the game.

6. Harshit Ahuja

We are talking about two batters who have been the face of Indian cricket for nearly a decade. But that's no reason for them to walk into an ODI World Cup side, that too when age is not on their side — more in the case of Rohit than Virat. But is there any proof of their powers in ODI cricket dwindling? If not, then doubts and questions are at best premature. In the last two major ODI competitions i.e. the Champions Trophy 2025 and World Cup 2023, both displayed that they are still at the top of their game.

Virat was the highest run-getter in that World Cup, Rohit was the 2nd highest. In the Champions Trophy, Kohli stood fifth, Rohit was at no. 11 but with the 4th highest strike rate. As long as the two can keep themselves fit and display the same sort of consistency, there should be no problem in both featuring in the 2027 World Cup.

7. Amar Panicker

It’s no secret that ODI cricket is being played less and less in recent years. That said, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain proven performers in the 50-over format. However, the lack of consistent game time is a worrying sign for both, raising doubts about whether they can reach the same levels they showed during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The question isn’t about their ability to perform in ODIs, but whether they can rediscover their peak form when it matters most — something India will need if they are to go all the way in the next World Cup.

Another factor is their hunger and motivation. Playing cricket in India is no small feat, especially given the intensity at which both have operated for well over a decade. It’s only natural that they may be running on fumes, considering the sheer volume of cricket they’ve played and the emotional toll of the heartbreak in Ahmedabad — a moment not easily forgotten. Few have sustained excellence for as long as they have, and with India boasting a surplus of emerging talent across all departments, it’s fair to ask whether the team truly needs them for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

From an emotional standpoint, the answer is yes. Both Kohli and Sharma have dedicated their lives to Indian cricket and deserve one final shot at the ultimate prize. But from an analytical perspective, Indian cricket has the depth and talent to move forward without them.

8. Debodinna Chakraborty

When it comes to fitness, questioning Virat Kohli is basically digging your own grave. Rohit Sharma has sent the same message loud and clear—shedding 10 kgs and putting in relentless hours in training, making sure nobody doubts his intent. But with nearly 20 ODIs lined up before the 2027 World Cup, relying on just 20 matches as practice is a risky gamble for any team, no matter how legendary the players. Maybe domestic cricket is the duo’s golden window to fine-tune their game, and honestly, judging by their current form and drive, neither shows any sign of slowing down or letting age catch up.

Even as the BCCI signals a new, youthful era under Shubman Gill, who could guide the dressing room better than the Rohit-Kohli duo? Two former captains and batting legends who have dominated cricket for over a decade, why would the board give up that invaluable experience ahead of an ODI World Cup?