Gavaskar does not see Rohit, Virat playing in 2027 ODI World Cup
Veteran Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have officially retired from Test cricket, aiming to extend their careers in the 50-over format.
Veteran Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have officially retired from Test cricket, aiming to extend their careers in the 50-over format. After stepping away from T20 Internationals following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory in the Caribbean, the two legends now plan to concentrate solely on ODIs at the international level.
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Gavaskar Questions Their 2027 World Cup Prospects
Despite their immense contributions to ODI cricket — Rohit with three double centuries and Kohli with 51 tons — former India captain Sunil Gavaskar remains skeptical about their participation in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
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Speaking to Sports Today, Gavaskar said their selection will depend entirely on how the selectors evaluate their future contributions.
“They have been massive performers in this format of the game. But the selection committee will be thinking about the 2027 World Cup. If they believe these two can still contribute at that level, they will pick them. Otherwise, they won’t,” Gavaskar stated.
“No, I Don’t Think They Will Be Playing” – Gavaskar’s Honest Take
Gavaskar gave a straightforward answer when asked whether Rohit and Virat would likely feature in the 2027 World Cup.
“No, I don’t think they will be playing. I am being very honest. But who knows — if they strike a rich vein of form and score hundreds consistently, even God can’t drop them,” Gavaskar added.
Rohit’s Fitness Concerns a Major Factor
One of the major factors working against Rohit Sharma is his fitness. The Mumbai Indians have mostly used him as an Impact Player in the IPL 2025, raising concerns about his endurance and physical condition in longer formats.
Kohli’s Form in IPL Strong, But ODI Uncertainty Remains
In contrast, Virat Kohli has been in red-hot form in IPL 2025, scoring 505 runs in 11 matches. However, his recent ODI performance since the 2023 World Cup has been underwhelming.
While Kohli has expressed a desire to play in the 2027 World Cup, his ability to stay match-fit without regular 50-over cricket remains a question mark.
