According to the report of The Telegraph, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might soon be ‘former players’ as the BCCI is concentrating on the ODI World Cup 2027. While both the players were part of the India squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, Shubman Gill was named captain, replacing Rohit. The decision was met with divided opinions on either side. Yet, media reports state the selection of both Rohit and Virat shall in the near future be purely based on ‘merit’. The report further stated that it will be ‘tough’ for both stalwarts to snatch some space under the sun for the 2027 edition of the ODI World Cup.
“The national selection committee’s decision to remove Rohit from the ODI captaincy has sent across a stern message to perform or perish and practically put them on notice,” the report said.
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“As the selectors chalk out the roadmap for the 2027 World Cup, it will be tough for both the stalwarts to look beyond the three ODIs in Australia. India will then play three more matches against South Africa in November-December and as many versus New Zealand in January.”
“Not many believe that they can perform at their best after more than seven months of hiatus from competitive cricket. Sources in the BCCI suggest that Rohit, who would be 40 when the quadrennial showpiece event gets underway in South Africa, was never in the selectors’ shortlist,” the report added.
Last for India during the Champions Trophy in March 2025, both Virat and Rohit last played for India when the country bagged the title in the Champions Trophy. The duo played very well in that tournament and since then, they have not been able to get out on the field, except here and there, of course, in the Indian Premier League.
“There is no doubt that Agarkar and Gambhir have been baying for fresh legs in this format too and neither past record nor reputation will count when it comes to sealing places in the playing XI,” the report concluded.
