Former India coach Ravi Shastri has set a clear path for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2027 World Cup, stressing that their selection will depend on fitness, hunger, and consistent performance. With the ODI series against Australia approaching, Shastri believes this will be a decisive test for the veteran duo’s future in Indian cricket.
Ravi Shastri’s Bold Statement on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s 2027 World Cup Chances
In a candid statement that stirred the Indian cricketing circles, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has made his stance clear about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future in ODI cricket. With the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup still two years away, Shastri believes that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia will act as a litmus test for the senior duo.
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have already announced retirement from Tests and T20Is, have been included in India’s squad for the Australia ODIs starting October 19 in Perth. The two veterans are expected to join the team on October 15 before departing for the high-profile series. However, uncertainty continues to surround their international careers beyond this assignment.
According to Shastri, the upcoming series will help determine whether the two modern-day greats still have the “fitness, hunger, and form” required to remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup. Speaking to cricket.com.au during the Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket launch, he remarked:
“They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form. I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel, and then it’s their call.”
At present, ODI cricket remains the only international format that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to play. By the time the 2027 World Cup begins, Rohit will be 40 years old, and Kohli 38. The age factor naturally brings questions about their longevity, especially with several young players making strong cases for selection.
Adding to that, Shubman Gill has recently replaced Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain, signaling the start of a generational shift. Yet, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain pivotal figures, especially given their experience and track record in high-pressure tournaments.
Shastri further compared their situation to Steve Smith, who retired from ODIs earlier this year for Australia. He explained that such decisions depend on a player’s motivation and willingness to keep going at the highest level:
“At that age, you’ve got to enjoy it, and you still have to have the hunger. But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to big games. As we saw in the Champions Trophy when the big games come, the big boys step up.”
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory earlier this year. While Rohit earned the Player of the Match award in the final, Kohli was among the top five run-scorers, consistently guiding India through tough situations.
India’s White-Ball Strength and the Rise of Young Talent
Ravi Shastri also emphasized that India currently looks stronger in white-ball cricket compared to the red-ball format. He praised the country’s wealth of young talent, including Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, who have brought fresh energy to the team.
“India is much stronger in white ball than the red ball. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma they know these youngsters are pushing them,” Shastri observed.
He also highlighted Tilak Varma’s fearless innings in the Asia Cup final, calling it “absolutely fantastic” under pressure. Shastri further noted that India’s white-ball setup boasts several quality all-rounders such as Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel, which makes the team a formidable unit.
As India prepares for the series against Australia, all eyes will be on how Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma perform. Their contributions, both as senior players and role models, could determine whether they are part of India’s 2027 World Cup campaign or make way for the next generation of stars.
For now, Ravi Shastri’s message is clear performance, passion, and persistence will decide whether the two legends continue their ODI journey or pass the torch to emerging talent.
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FAQ
What did Ravi Shastri say about Kohli and Rohit’s future?
Ravi Shastri stated that their selection for the 2027 World Cup depends on their fitness, hunger, and performance in the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
When will the India vs Australia ODI series begin?
The series begins on October 19, 2025, in Perth.
Are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still playing all formats?
No, both have retired from Tests and T20Is but continue to play in ODIs.
Who is India’s current ODI captain?
Shubman Gill has recently replaced Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain.
How old will Rohit and Kohli be during the 2027 World Cup?
By 2027, Rohit Sharma will be 40, and Virat Kohli will be 38 years old.