Uncertainty Looms over Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Participation in 2027 World Cup as Gautam Gambhir Eyes Transition

With Gautam Gambhir making it very clear in every India series that he desires to bring in new talent into the team, it will be a stiff test for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to cement their position in the side.

Uncertainty Looms over Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Participation in 2027 World Cup as Gautam Gambhir Eyes Transition

In Background: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, In Circle: Gautam Gambhir (Image via NDTV Sports)

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It was a tough pill to swallow for the Indian fans when the famous duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from T20I cricket following last year’s T20I World Cup. The fans accepted the retirements with a thought that both ended their careers on a high by winning a World Cup.

However, the celebrated batting duo tested their fans’ emotions once again earlier this year when, in the span of a week, they decided to step away from the longest format of the game. Their form was dipping, and their fans unwillingly had to accept the hard fact.

Many felt that both, Sharma and Kohli, will now shift their entire focus to ODI cricket, which has been their strongest suit right through their careers. With the 2027 ODI World Cup nearing, it would be an ideal end to their illustrious career winning the Cup in South Africa, where the event will be held. However, a recent report suggests that both of these stalwarts are not guaranteed of a spot in the 2027 World Cup team and will be monitored keenly in the next couple of years.

Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup (November 2027). Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so there has to be a clear plan ahead for the big event as our last win was in 2011. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time.

Update on Sharma and Kohli’s future through a source via PTI

Both Sharma and Kohli are in their late 30s. There is no secret that it is difficult for a cricketer to maintain his fitness when they reach their 40s. With head coach Gautam Gambhir making it very clear in every India series that he desires to bring in new talent into the team, it will be a stiff test for both the champions to cement their position in the side.

It’s a no brainer that these two senior players will have to score runs regularly and be involved in the game as much as possible to show that they still have the fire burning for the 50-over format. India has seen umpteen debuts in the last couple of years, and it is clear that the transition phase is well and truly on its way.

When Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Next Play for India?

Team India just got done with a long and tiring test series in England. Many players went there on the back of a long IPL season, which further must have tested their fitness. The team now has a break from Test cricket and in the meantime will play some T20I cricket at the Asia Cup, which has the much anticipated India-Pakistan clash.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma batting together
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (via The Indian Express)

However, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not a part of these formats, it will be a while before fans can see them in the blue jersey once again. India were to play ODIs against Bangladesh in August, however, the tour got cancelled due to political reasons. This has elongated the wait as the next time India plays any ODI cricket will be in the month of October when the Indian team goes to Australia for three-match ODI series and five-match T20I series.

While it may be a frustrating wait for the fans, Sharma and Kohli would be happy as they through their careers have had great ODI outings in Australia. The sticky wickets of Bangladesh might have bothered them and put their form (more) into question. With the pacy and bouncy wickets of Australia, the fancied duo will be excited to get back to their best rhythm. The tour starts on the 19th of October with the first match scheduled to be played at Perth.

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