May 13, 2025: In a major development that could shape the future of Indian cricket, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed serious doubts about the chances of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. This comes days after both stalwarts announced their retirement from Test cricket, narrowing their international careers down to the 50-over format.
While Kohli has publicly declared his intention to play in the 2027 World Cup and Rohit remains deeply committed to ODI cricket, Gavaskar believes age and long-term planning by selectors could keep the duo out of India’s future plans.
Speaking to Sports Today on Monday, May 12, Gavaskar said, “They have been massive performers in this format of the game. Again, the selection committee will probably be looking at the 2027 World Cup. They will be looking at whether they will be able to be in the team for the 2027 World Cup. Will they be able to make the kind of contributions they have been making? That will be the thought process of the selection committee.”
In a frank admission, the cricketing great added, “No, I don’t think they will be playing. I am being very honest. But who knows, in the next year or so, if they strike a rich vein of form, and if they keep scoring hundreds and hundreds, even God can’t drop them.”
Kohli and Rohit, two of the most prolific ODI batsmen of all time, remain central figures in Indian cricket. However, with both players now in their mid-30s and India focusing on grooming a younger core, their participation in the 2027 edition—set to be hosted in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe—remains uncertain.
As the Indian cricket team prepares for its next phase under evolving leadership and a focus on youth, the next 12–18 months could prove pivotal in determining whether these modern-day greats will get one final shot at World Cup glory.