Subhayan Chakraborty
The future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs is a subject of much debate. Having hung up their boots from Test and T20I cricket, the two greats have now focused their attention solely on ODIs, with their eyes possibly on the 2027 ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. But their future in the format has raised a debate, regarding their form and experience against the factors of age, fitness, and the rise of young talent.
Kohli and Rohit are inarguably ODI titans, with records that put them among all-time greats. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was vocal in their support, stating, “Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit Sharma’s. Both of them are exceptional at white-ball cricket.”
Their pressure-performance and batting line-up anchoring abilities are still unbeatable. But then again, the question is, with the ODI World Cup two years down the line, will they be maintaining the same fitness and hunger playing only one format?
Both these greats are still said to have a keen desire to carry on. Rohit has, on several occasions, reiterated his intent to remain in the ODI framework, possibly looking at the 2027 World Cup as a last yardstick. Kohli has also not indicated a decline of passion towards the format, which has sparked rumours that both plan to see out their ODI careers on a high.
Even with their shining track records, doubts hover over the likeliness of their ability to endure and last till 2027. By the World Cup time, Kohli would be about 39, and Rohit would be close to 40. The physical requirements of contemporary cricket, with its intense schedule and stress on athleticism, call into question their capacity to stay at the summit of fitness. After retiring from Tests and T20Is, their competitive cricket is confined to ODIs and the IPL, which might not be enough match practice to remain international-ready. Will they be inclined to play domestic cricket or maybe for India A to remain connected with the game? India’s talent pipeline also puts pressure on that argument.
Promising young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan have been creating a buzz, indicating the quality of India’s batting pool. The young group of players cannot wait to get chances to imprint themselves on the ODI roster. Also, don’t forget, changing over to a younger team could set India up for sustained success. The BCCI hasn’t issued any statement, but it’s being reported that they are considering transitioning to youth for the 2027 World Cup.
Kohli and Rohit may have to play domestic competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to demonstrate their form and fitness, something that may not go down well with players of their status. Both are likely to play for India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia in October 2025. The BCCI seems to be prioritising the Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup in the near future and might keep deciding on the duo’s ODI fate on the backburner. But Indian cricket is known to change overnight.
It is all about balancing the experience of two legends against the promise of youth. Their track record and passion make a compelling case for their inclusion, yet the realities of age, fitness, and emerging talent cannot be ignored. Kohli and Rohit remain in India’s ODI plans for the immediate future, but the road to 2027 will likely test their resolve and the BCCI’s vision for the future.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news