India’s tour of England 2025 is over, and what a fabulous series the fans have witnessed in these two months. Now, the next assignment of the Indian team is the Asia Cup 2025. The tournament will happen in T20 format, considering the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in February-March. In this case, you won’t see India’s two legendary players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in action, as they have already retired from this format. There is still uncertainty over the ODI future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Today, we will discuss the reasons why they both have to play till the ICC World Cup 2027, what are the reasons for them to relinquish the ODI format as well, and what are the views of the fans and the former players about them? So let’s start.

Uncertainty Looms Over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ODI Future

The future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket is still uncertain. Both players are retired from the T20I and Test cricket, and are only available for a 50-over format. There are so many speculations going around in the media regarding their ODI future. The fans and the cricket pundits are divided in this debate. Some fans and experts want Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play till WC 2027, while others are sceptical or against it.

India’s former captain Sourav Ganguly feels that both Virat and Rohit can play as long as they are performing. India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, also said a lot of cricket is left in both players. He also said both can play till the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, if they continue to stay fit. Former cricketers Ashish Nehra and Harbhajan Singh are also in favour of Virat and Rohit to play till the WC 2027.

India’s former selector Devang Gandhi highlights a generational shift, saying time does not wait for anybody. He wants the selectors to give chances to young players instead of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kris Srikkanth, former India player and ex-chief selector, thinks that Virat might play till 2027, but Rohit’s future till that event is unlikely due to age and fitness. Although Sunil Gavaskar and Aakash Chopra did not say that Virat and Rohit cannot play till 2027, they are sceptical of their future in international cricket. The fans of the Indian Cricket Team (ICT) are also divided. Some fans want them to continue playing, while some think that it is time for the newbies.

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Rohit and Virat’s Form in ODIs

The form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has been outstanding in the ODIs. Both players last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Virat scored 218 runs in 5 innings at an average of 54.50. Rohit also scored 180 runs at an average of 36 in 5 innings. Both players were also scoring runs in the home ODI bilateral series against England.

You can check the full stats of the Champions Trophy 2025 HERE

Virat and Rohit were also the top scorers in the ICC ODI WC 2023. Rohit also scored runs in Sri Lanka in a bilateral series in 2024, where the pitches are spinner-friendly. Overall, both players have enjoyed this format and scored enough runs to be in contention. The form is quite good enough for both of them in the ODIs.

Reasons Why Virat and Rohit Should Continue Playing in ODIs?

• World Cup Aspirations –

It is the primary reason for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play till the ODI WC 2027. Every athlete or player wants to be a part of the World Cup-winning team. Virat has done it in the past in 2011, and Rohit is still looking for his first ODI WC title. Both had a chance to do it in 2023 when Team India reached the final, but lost to Australia.

• Their Form –

As said earlier, both players’ forms are quite exceptional in the ODI format. They enjoyed playing this format and can now focus only on this, as today’s T20 cricket demands are different, and they were struggling with form in test cricket for a while. In ODIs, they know how to pace their inning, even if ODI cricket has also changed a lot over the years. They have the experience to construct the inning and when to attack.

• Experience –

The experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is vital for the team. In a big stage like the ODI WC, Team India needs their experience, especially in a place like South Africa, where the next ODI WC is set to take place. They know how to handle the situation.

• Mentorship Value –

Both players are important for the youngsters in the team. They can guide young players in a pressure situation. Their mentorship is crucial for the players to keep the transition period smooth.

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Reasons Why Virat and Rohit Should Retire from ODIs?

• Mental Burnout and Motivation Issues

Both players are already retired from Tests and T20Is. Continuing in just ODIs in the absence of regular cricket might cause motivation issues for both of them. Team India will play only 24 ODIs (excluding Bangladesh ODIs that are cancelled now) until the ICC WC 2027. So both players have to motivate themselves to come in for just 24 games in the next two years.

• Risk of Injury and Fatigue

Both players are at that age where the risk of injury and fatigue is very high. Virat is currently 36, and Rohit is 38. They will be 38 and 40, respectively, by the time the 2027 World Cup comes. At their age, the risk of muscle injuries, recovery delays, and fatigue increases. This can disrupt squad stability if India has to rotate captains or shuffle the batting order too often.

• Less Game Time

As we all can see, ODI cricket is the format which is played very little nowadays. T20 cricket has been played regularly, and test cricket has been played by the big cricketing nations, considering the WTC format. With only few ODIs left for Team India before the ODI WC, it will be very difficult for Rohit and Virat to have game time.

There are two IPL seasons in between, and a few reports also suggest that both players might play a few domestic List A games. But still, motivating themselves to continue and to be in the setup is quite difficult for both of them.

• Difficulty in Transition if they leave just before the WC

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are trying hard to push themselves to continue playing in the 50-over format. They are very keen to play in the next 50-over WC in 2027. But in between these two years (until the WC 2027), if they feel that they can’t push themselves anymore and retire, it will be difficult for Team India to transition with less time to try new players before the all-important tournament.

• Age and WC 2027 Timeline

Virat and Rohit will be 38 and 40, respectively by the WC 2027. Many cricket analysts like Sunil Gavaskar and Devang Gandhi argue that by then, the physical demands of ODI cricket, especially for fielding and running between the wickets, will be harder to meet consistently.  This could lead to performance dips in a long tournament.

• Opportunity Cost for Domestic Performers

Players like Rinku Singh or Sai Sudharsan, who have done well in domestic List A cricket and in the IPL, have to wait longer for consistent opportunities in ODIs.

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What did the BCCI say about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma?

A source in the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has said that the board’s focus is on the Asia Cup 2025 and the preparation of the T20 WC 2026. They are not looking at Virat and Rohit’s ODI future at the moment. The media reports also suggest that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play domestic games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to be game-ready in ODIs. Both players will now feature in the India tour of Australia in October in ODIs.

CONCLUSION: Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Play in the ICC World Cup 2027?

As of now, it looks like both are keen to play in the ODI WC 2027. That’s why they have not announced their ODI retirement. It seems like they will make it till the WC 2027, considering their form and experience. On the other hand, the next ODI WC is still more than two years away from now. Either of the players’ mindsets would change in between if they think that they cannot push themselves anymore. But as of today, they are expected to play the marquee tournament.

What do you think? Will they play in the ODI WC 2027 or will they retire before? Comment your opinion below. Thank you for reading. We hope you find it informative. Keep following sportschilly.com for the latest updates.

FAQs:-

(1) Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire after the Australia series in October 2026?

A. There are a few media reports that suggest both players might retire after the Australia series, but no official confirmation has been made by either the players or the BCCI.

(2) When did Virat and Rohit announce their T20I retirement?

A. Virat and Rohit announced their T20I retirement after the completion of the ICC T20 WC 2024 in the West Indies.

(3) When did Rohit Sharma play his last test match?

A. Rohit played his last test match at Melbourne in the 4th test of the BGT 2024-25.

(4) When did Virat Kohli play his last test match?

A. Virat played its last test in Sydney, during the 5th test of the BGT 2024-25.

(5) How many tests has Virat Kohli won as captain?

A. Virat, in his captaincy tenure, has won 40 tests out of 68. It is the most by an Indian captain as of 2025.