Despite stepping away from T20Is and Tests, the two biggest stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to remain active in the One-Day International (ODI) format.
While the Indian team has already transitioned in those two formats, Rohit still leads the ODI side, and Kohli remains a crucial contributor with the bat.
The 2027 ODI World Cup appears to be the next big hit for both players, though neither has officially announced plans about their international future.
However, reports suggest that making it to the 2027 World Cup squad may not be straightforward for the duo despite their illustrious records in the format. Neither Kohli nor Rohit is reportedly guaranteed a place in the team for the tournament, with concerns arising over their limited game time in the coming years due to their absence from T20Is and Test cricket. This lack of regular match practice could influence selection decisions.
It is believed that both players would need to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy — India’s premier domestic one-day tournament — starting in December this year if they wish to stay in contention for a place in the 2027 squad. Without competing in the domestic competition, their chances of making the cut are expected to be slim.
“ViratKohli and Rohit Sharma do not fit in our plans for the ODI World Cup 2027,” a source from the team management was quoted as saying. The same report further suggested that the duo had expressed interest in joining the England tour but were informed by selectors that they were unlikely to be chosen. Following this, both players decided to announce their retirement from the other formats.
India’s next ODI series is scheduled against Australia in October, and it is being speculated that the iconic pair could use the occasion to bring the curtain down on their international careers altogether. Given their current positions, a return to domestic cricket at this stage is considered improbable.
Adding to the uncertainty, the rise of Shubman Gill, who led India in the recently concluded Test series in England, has reinforced the selectors’ faith in him as a long-term leader. Many in Indian cricket circles see Gill as a potential all-format captain in the near future.
The ODI squad has also seen several young players establish themselves in recent months, giving the selectors further reason to persist with fresh faces ahead of the 2027 World Cup. This approach mirrors the smooth transition already achieved in T20Is and Tests, and a similar shift now seems likely in the 50-over format.
While Kohli and Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket over the years remain unmatched, the evolving team dynamics and a clear focus on building for the future leave both stalwarts in a challenging position. Whether they adapt to these demands or choose to bid farewell to the game on their own terms will be closely watched by fans and the cricketing fraternity alike.
