Will Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Play 2027 ODI World Cup? Ravi Shastri Drops Brutal Truth Bomb

When India and Australia lock horns in the 1st ODI on October 19, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be making their international comeback. Their last game in national colours was the Champions Trophy final vs New Zealand on March 9. But their future after the Australia series remains uncertain.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on Verge of International Farewell

It must be noted that both have retired from T20Is and Tests so an ODI exit would win an international farewell. Rohit and Kohli are in the twilight of their careers and it is not clear if they will be around to play the 2027 World Cup. Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri had an honest take on their availability for the ICC event.

© X/BCCI

Ravi Shastri’s Honest Take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Future

"That's why they're here playing the ODI series against Australia," Shastri said as per cricket.com.au at Kayo Sport's Summer of Cricket launch.

"They're part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it's their call," he added.

© X/BCCI

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Years of Experience

Rohit is 38 and has played since 2007 while Kohli is almost 37 and has been around since 2008. If they do play the 2027 World Cup, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli shall turn 39 during the tournament. If they do play and India wins, it will be a dream farewell.

Race Against Time for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Meanwhile Shubman Gill, the man who replaced Rohit as Test and ODI captain, said that both ‘Hitman’ and ‘King’ are part of India’s World Cup plans. Rohit has never won an ODI World Cup while Kohli was part of the team that lifted the 2011 World Cup trophy. Shastri’s words are a truth bomb and Rohit and Kohli know they cannot take their place in the side for granted. Only time will tell if they are fit enough and consistent enough to play in the World Cup two years from now.