India-Bangladesh tensions are no longer limited to politics or boardroom talks. Both India and Bangladesh will also suffer losses from this clash, but the two players who may suffer the most are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both Rohit and Kohli have already retired from Test and T20I cricket.
India-Bangladesh tension has gone beyond politics, cricket has been affected
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s entire focus is now on ODIs, with a clear target – the 2027 World Cup. Every ODI series before that tournament is extremely important for them, not just for the runs but also for the rhythm, confidence and match preparation.
India was scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series in September 2026. The Indian team was to arrive on 28 August, with matches planned for 1, 3 and 6 September. The tour was postponed last year due to diplomatic issues and government travel advisories.
Also read: Virat Kohli stuck in ICC vs Bangladesh T20 World Cup controversy!
Relations soured due to IPL controversy and T20 World Cup 2026 outcome
Now, with fresh tensions between India and Bangladesh, there are serious doubts over whether the three-match ODI series will take place or not. The latest controversy erupted when Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from their IPL 2026 squad following the BCCI’s directive due to the current situation of Hindus in Bangladesh.
The move disappointed Bangladesh fans and officials, who felt that cricket was being mixed with politics. The situation worsened when the Bangladesh government banned the telecast of IPL 2026 in the country. Matters worsened when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, citing players’ safety concerns.
After weeks of consultation, the ICC found there was no real threat, yet Bangladesh remained adamant on not traveling to India and were eventually replaced by Scotland at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. This result has now put India’s tour of Bangladesh in danger.
World Cup 2027 preparations in danger, India vs Bangladesh ODI series in danger
Amid strain in relations and differences within the cricket boards of both the countries, reports suggest that India may not travel to Bangladesh for the rescheduled white-ball series in August-September. If this happens, India may lose three important ODI matches before the 2027 World Cup.
Also read: India is unsafe! Bangladesh issues threatening warning to Australia and others after T20 World Cup exit
Before the World Cup in Africa, India had to play around 24 to 27 ODI matches against teams like Afghanistan, England, West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Bangladesh series was seen as an important part of that preparation, particularly because playing there provides tough subcontinental conditions and strong competition.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are facing the brunt of the tension in their relationship.
It will be a big blow for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to miss the Bangladesh series. Since they no longer play Tests or T20Is, ODI matches are their only chance to remain strong at the international level. Each lost game reduces their match performance and puts additional pressure on the remaining series.
Former players and experts have already warned that the long gap between ODI matches could affect the timing, decision-making and confidence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. If India enters the 2027 World Cup with fewer matches and limited preparation, it could impact not only the team’s plans but also the final 2027 World Cup preparations of India’s two biggest cricket giants.
