RoKo at ODI World Cup 2027: Can India’s senior pros survive that long?

There is a huge question whether or not Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Notably, Rohit and Kohli only play one format now, having retired from Tests and T20Is.

One of the biggest points of contention is the fitness and age for both the players. Virat Kohli will be 38 when the next World Cup begins while Rohit Sharma will be over 40. 

While Kohli remains the epitome of fitness and Rohit has worked hard to lose significant weight and get in shape, it remains difficult to predict whether their bodies will be ready to take the toll of international cricket roughly two years from now, especially since they will be away from field for extended periods after retiring from the other two formats.

Having last played for India in March this year, Kohli and Rohit will next feature in the Australia ODI series Down Under. India will play 27 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, and it remains to be seen how many matches the senior pros will play.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has been handed the reins of the Indian ODI team by the BCCI, marking a huge transition as the board is seemingly moving on from seniors.

That said, the wealth of experience Rohit and Kohli bring is immense, with Kohli having over 14000 runs and 52 centuries in the format, while Rohit having over 11000 runs with 32 centuries and three double-tons. 

Rohit transformed into an attacking opener, giving India flying starts, while Kohli remains the cornerstone of Indian batting with an unmatched record in chases.

But young talents like Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and more are knocking on the doors of Indian ODI teams. This puts the place of the two veterans in danger.

Writing off players of their stature would be premature, as they have immense adaptability and experience that does not come cheap. If the BCCI decides to include both of them in 2027 World Cup plans, they will need to manage the duo wisely and define their roles to get the most from the two veterans.

India still has enough time to finalise their plans and give the new-look team some chance to bond together and prepare for the World Cup, but one thing is clear: the Rohit and Kohli decision will be anything but straightforward.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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