Speculation is at its peak regarding the ODI careers of India’s two star cricketers, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both recently announced their retirement from Test cricket — Rohit on May 7 and Virat five days later, on May 12. Prior to that, they had already bid farewell to the T20 format after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. Now, the question arises — how long will they continue in the ODI format?
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has answered the question of whether Rohit and Virat will be seen in the 2027 ODI World Cup. According to him, these two superstars will no longer be seen in India’s jersey in that tournament.
Gavaskar said, “Both are performing brilliantly in ODIs, but whether they’ll play in the 2027 World Cup depends on their form and fitness. The selectors will surely prepare the team with the future in mind. Personally, I believe we won’t see Rohit and Virat in that World Cup.”
He further added, “There’s nothing left for them to achieve — their trophy cabinets are full. They’ve won everything from the T20 World Cup to the Champions Trophy. In such a situation, they might choose to retire on their own. However, if over the next two years they stay in incredible form, scoring century after century, then it would be impossible to leave them out. Even God couldn’t do it.”
Currently, Rohit is 38 years old and Kohli is 36. By 2027, they will be 40 and 38 respectively. Considering their age and the need to build a team for the future, the BCCI might opt to restructure the team. However, Gavaskar’s comments have sparked intense debate in the cricket world.
