India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup are still some distance away but one major question has already started attracting attention: Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain part of India’s plans for the tournament?
Both experienced batters are in their late 30s, while several young Indian players are waiting for opportunities in the ODI team. This has raised questions about the future of the two senior stars, although their performances continue to support their selection.
Virat Kohli appears to have a stronger case for a place in the 2027 World Cup squad because of his consistency, experience and fitness. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has faced injury concerns in recent times but has made strong comebacks, proving that he still has plenty to offer to Indian cricket.
The Indian selection committee has followed a practical approach while managing transitions across different formats. Under former chairman Ajit Agarkar, Indian cricket witnessed several major changes. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, while Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravichandran Ashwin also brought their India careers to an end. Ravindra Jadeja, meanwhile, retired from T20Is to make way for the next generation.
A similar transition has been taking place in ODIs. Mohammed Shami, who played a crucial role in India’s campaign at the 2023 World Cup, has slipped down the selection pecking order despite delivering impressive performances in domestic cricket. The selectors have instead started giving opportunities to younger fast bowlers, including Harshit Rana and Gurnoor Brar.
Amid the debate over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future, BCCI president Mithun Manhas has shared his views on what should determine a player’s place in the Indian team. According to him, fitness and performance should matter more than age. However, he also made it clear that decisions regarding team selection are the responsibility of the selectors and coaches, not the BCCI president.
Mithun Manhas explained that the board cannot directly decide such matters because the selectors and coaches are responsible for choosing the team. He believes that any player who remains fit, performs consistently and helps India win matches deserves consideration, regardless of age.
Meanwhile, India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup have also influenced the team’s leadership plans. Shubman Gill was appointed India’s captain in October last year, with the next ODI World Cup in mind. At 27, the tournament will be his first major international assignment as captain.
Mithun Manhas believes that having experienced players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in the squad would benefit Shubman Gill as he takes on the responsibility of leading India on a major stage.
He also pointed to Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership abilities, suggesting that different players could take responsibility in different areas of the team. While one player leads the side, others can guide the bowling attack or take charge of fielding-related responsibilities.
According to Mithun Manhas, the key is to distribute responsibilities effectively so that the team can function smoothly and the captain does not have to shoulder the entire workload alone.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the debate over India’s squad composition is likely to continue. For now, Mithun Manhas’ comments suggest that age alone should not decide the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their fitness, performances and ability to contribute to India’s success could ultimately determine whether the two senior stars feature in the next World Cup.
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