Gavaskar Predicts Kohli, Rohit Unlikely for 2027 ODI World Cup
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has offered a candid assessment of the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup, particularly regarding their chances of featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speaking bluntly, Gavaskar remarked, “No, I don’t think they will be playing. I am being very honest.” His statement reflects both a pragmatic reading of age-related performance decline and the shift in Indian cricket’s generational composition.
Age and Team Evolution
By the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old, and Virat Kohli will be 38. Gavaskar emphasized the difficulty of maintaining elite performance levels in such a physically demanding format at that age. As India continues to groom young talent in both domestic circuits and the IPL, the competition for top-order batting spots is expected to become even more intense. According to Gavaskar, this natural transition could leave little room for the veterans unless they remain indispensable through form alone.
Recent Retirements and ODI Focus
Kohli and Rohit have already bid farewell to Test cricket, a move that hints at their intention to extend their ODI careers. This strategic narrowing of focus might help them manage workload and remain relevant in the shorter format. However, Gavaskar believes that their continued presence in the national squad will hinge entirely on performance, and not past reputation or seniority.
Selection Will Depend on Form
Gavaskar acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with the national selectors, adding, “If they keep scoring hundreds and hundreds, even God can’t drop them.” This statement underlines the fact that Indian cricket’s future decisions will be driven by meritocracy. If either Kohli or Rohit continues to deliver consistently, their age might not be a disqualifier — but that’s a big “if” in an environment increasingly dominated by younger, fitter players.
Looking Ahead
With a new generation of cricketers knocking on the door, the emphasis for Indian selectors is likely to be on long-term planning. The 2027 ODI World Cup could well become a launching pad for a reimagined Indian side built around youth, athleticism, and fresh energy. While Kohli and Rohit remain icons of modern cricket, their inclusion in the 2027 squad will be contingent on their ability to remain irreplaceable — something even legends are not immune to losing.
As the team management continues to evaluate its roadmap to the next World Cup cycle, the future of India’s two modern batting giants now appears less assured than ever before.
