Former England spinner Graeme Swann recently talked about the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODI cricket. Swann said that before the ODI World Cup 2027 to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November, it is natural to ask who will ultimately replace the two Indian stars.
Under the leadership of Shubhman Gill, India has two ODI matches left in the current series against Afghanistan. After the current series, the team will travel to England for a three-match ODI series in July, where Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to play a key role in India’s preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
It’s inevitable – Graeme Swann opens up on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future
Speaking to PTI, Graeme Swann said that when senior stars reach the final stages of their careers it is natural for fans and experts to start looking for the next generation of players.
“It is inevitable for any player that when he reaches the final stages of his career people start looking for his successor. No matter how well you are performing, even if you are at the top of your game, people still ask who will be the next Virat and who will be the next Rohit. It is completely natural.”
Video | India may still have two ODIs left against Afghanistan, but talks about the future are not far off when it comes to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes this is the reality faced by every great player… pic.twitter.com/wURcli3xSO
– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 14, 2026
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from T20I and Test cricket but continue to represent India in ODIs. Both the legends played major roles in India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, becoming the team’s leading run-scorers.
During the tournament, Rohit and Virat scored 1,362 runs in 22 innings, which included four centuries and nine half-centuries. India won its first 10 matches before losing the final.
The moment you have one or two low scores… – Graeme Swann on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Graeme Swann said Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma face more scrutiny as young talents start pushing for a place in the national team. He added that even a few low points could raise questions about his future, especially when promising youngsters are waiting for opportunities.
“The moment you have one or two low scores, everyone starts looking over your shoulder to see who is next. With Vaibhav Suryavanshi and some other youngsters coming in, it puts even more pressure on the senior players, especially the players at the top of India’s batting order.”
Virat, 37, and Rohit, 39, remain key members of India’s ODI setup. However, with the 2027 ODI World Cup around the corner, the team management will continue to assess its long-term plans while giving opportunities to young players.
I would have to say Virat Kohli – Graeme Swann
Graeme Swann said that Virat Kohli is continuously improving despite being at the last stage of his career. He also praised Rohit Sharma’s form and said that both the batsmen looked in great form during IPL 2026.
“I think you have to say Virat because of the way the IPL went. Players have to wane and deteriorate towards the end of their career, but Virat is getting better and better. Rohit Sharma also looked in great form during the IPL. The difference was that Mumbai were not performing like RCB. RCB reached the final and Virat scored well there too.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore reached the final of IPL 2026, while Mumbai Indians lost despite a strong performance by Rohit. Virat and Rohit remain key figures in India’s ODI plans as the team prepares for the World Cup. It is noteworthy that Virat was out of Afghanistan ODI series due to hamstring injury.