The landscape of Indian cricket is undergoing a significant shift as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) evaluates the future roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both players, who have been instrumental in India's cricketing success for over a decade, are now in their mid-30s, prompting discussions about the team's long-term strategy and the integration of younger talent.
With the 2027 World Cup set to be held in South Africa, the BCCI is keen on formulating a clear roadmap for the event, especially considering India's last World Cup victory was in 2011. A key factor in these discussions is the age of Kohli and Sharma, who will be nearing 40 by the time the tournament arrives. This has led to considerations about their physical fitness, mental readiness, and overall contribution to the team's balance.
While Kohli and Sharma have retired from Test and T20I cricket to prolong their ODI careers, their places in the ODI squad are no longer guaranteed. The emergence of talented youngsters is compelling the BCCI to explore options for rebuilding the ODI core. Names like Shubman Gill, who is being groomed as a future captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh have shown promising signs, sparking optimism about a generational shift in Indian cricket.
The selection process will not be rushed or forced. The BCCI plans to have "honest and professional conversations" with Kohli and Sharma to assess their commitment and form before finalizing plans for the next ODI cycle. The decision will hinge on whether they still fit into India's ODI scheme of things, balancing their experience with the need to nurture emerging talent.
Opportunities for Kohli and Sharma to showcase their relevance will be limited but present. India has approximately 27 ODIs scheduled until the end of 2026. They are expected to feature in the ODI series against Australia in October 2025, followed by series against South Africa and New Zealand. However, sporadic appearances in ODIs, without consistent match exposure, could make it challenging for them to maintain their rhythm and form at the international level.
Despite the uncertainty, the contributions of Kohli and Sharma to Indian cricket are undeniable. Kohli, regarded as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen of all time, holds the record for the most centuries in ODI cricket. Sharma, on the other hand, is nearing the milestone of 7,000 runs in the IPL and is close to becoming the first Indian to hit 300 sixes in the league. Both have achieved almost everything in white-ball cricket, and their experience and leadership remain invaluable. Kohli has scored 14,181 runs in ODIs, while Sharma has scored 11,000 runs.
Ultimately, the BCCI aims to strike a balance between respecting the legends of the game and preparing a team that can peak at the 2027 World Cup. The next few months will be crucial in determining the roles that Kohli and Sharma will play in India's quest for another global title.
