The future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Indian cricket is once again in the spotlight, with fans and experts debating whether the two legends will still be a part of India’s plans for the ICC World Cup 2027. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to make a comeback to international cricket in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting from October 19.
Kohli and Rohit have retired from Test and T20I cricket and are now focusing exclusively on the ODI format. Despite being at the tail end of their careers, both former Indian captains remain key figures in India’s ODI setup, and it is expected that their experience will play a major role in shaping the future of the team.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ICC World Cup 2027 chances depend on domestic cricket
Virat and Rohit Sharma will be close to 40 by the time ICC World Cup 2027 arrives and that is why their form, fitness and consistency will be more important than ever to remain a part of the Indian cricket team for at least the next two years.
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The Indian selectors and team management are clear that maintaining match fitness is very important for them. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has already clarified that all centrally contracted players should participate in domestic cricket when they are free from national duty.
At the press conference announcing the squad for the Australia tour, Agarkar openly said that he is expecting both Kohli and Rohit to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic 50-over tournament, before the ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026.
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He was even coy about his prospects for the ICC World Cup 2027. But recently, newly appointed India captain Shubman Gill said that both Rohit and Kohli are still in the mix, and the team will need their experience and skills in the mega event on the African continent in 2027.
Notably, Kohli last played List A cricket for Delhi in 2010. Rohit, on the other hand, has not participated in the Vijay Hazare Trophy since 2018. His participation in domestic cricket will not only help him gain match strength but will also send a strong message about his commitment to remain fit and competitive, as he will be closely monitored.
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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must play Vijay Hazare Trophy or risk losing India’s spot
Meanwhile, it is being said that the future of Virat and Rohit is safe as long as they do not play according to the rules i.e. the rules set by the BCCI and the selectors. In the past, BCCI had dropped Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the Indian team and were also not given central contracts after they ignored instructions to play domestic cricket for their respective teams.
A journalist from RevSportz revealed that Virat and Rohit are likely to suffer similar consequences if they refuse to play in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy; Otherwise his future with Team India is secure for a long time. They are also in the mix for the ICC World Cup 2027.
However, if they ignore the selectors’ warnings, the Australia series could be their last dance. Additionally, Virat and Rohit Sharma decide on their own whether to end their careers in Australia or in the home series against New Zealand; They can take their own calls.
But the former Indian captains were given clear instructions by the team management and BCCI that to remain in the race for selection in India, they would have to play domestic cricket.
