Chasing 2027: Kohli & Rohit’s Roadmap to Cricket’s Biggest Stage

 

India’s cricketing legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom recently stepped back from T20Is and Tests, now confront a pivotal crossroads regarding their ODI futures—and especially their dream of playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. Recent reports highlight that neither player is guaranteed a spot in the squad, with the BCCI and selectors introducing clear expectations if either wishes to be considered for selection in four years’ time.

 

Key Highlights: Tough Roadblocks and Transition in Indian Cricket

 

Rohit and Kohli remain active in ODIs but have exited the shorter and longer formats, narrowing their playing windows and limiting match practice over the next years.

 

The BCCI and selection committee have reportedly stated that both stars "do not fit in our plans for the ODI World Cup 2027," citing not just age (Kohli would be 39, Rohit 40) but also a strong focus on nurturing next-generation talent, including all-format captain Shubman Gill.

 

If Rohit or Kohli aim for a World Cup comeback, both will need to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—India’s domestic one-day tournament—starting December 2025. Without regular domestic List A cricket, selectors are unlikely to consider them for future ODIs at all.

 

Sources claim that both players wanted to join India’s England tour but were informed of unlikelihood in selections, prompting speculation about retirement plans. A curtain call after the upcoming Australia ODI series in October has been widely rumored.

 

The BCCI is focused on near-term goals such as the Asia Cup and next year’s T20 World Cup, pushing future ODI considerations to the backburner and stating that neither player will receive special dispensation or a farewell match as yet.

 

BCCI’s Strategic Shift: Youth, Competitive Readiness, and Domestic Performance

 

The new criteria underline a wider generational transition, prioritizing domestic performances over past international reputation. BCCI sources confirm players must prove competitive form through the domestic circuit if they hope for recall.

 

Young talents such as Shubman Gill, now Test captain and a favorite for all-format Indian leadership, and other emerging players have strengthened belief in moving forward with fresh squads for the 2027 World Cup.

 

Both Rohit and Kohli, with a combined 83 ODI hundreds and 25,000 career runs, face the challenge of not only maintaining fitness but also regaining match rhythm by committing to gritty domestic seasons.

 

The BCCI also cites the need to manage public sentiment cautiously, given huge fan followings, stating it will avoid hasty decisions and prioritize team progress and competitive balance.

 

Possible Scenarios and Future Outlook

 

Unless Kohli or Sharma play—and perform—in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and remain active through a full domestic cycle, their international careers may conclude after the scheduled Australia series this October.

 

Should either decide to pursue selection, a strong domestic showing would be needed, and selectors have made clear the days of automatic World Cup inclusion based on reputation alone are over.

 

Kohli and Rohit themselves have remained publicly non-committal, neither announcing retirement nor spelling out 2027 ambitions directly.

 

In summary, the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian ODIs—and especially for the 2027 World Cup—is contingent on their willingness to accept the BCCI’s challenge: participate in and excel in domestic one-day competitions. This marks a decisive strategic shift toward merit, competitive form, and generational renewal in Indian cricket.

 

Sources: Dainik Jagran, NDTV Sports, Hindustan Times