BCCI VP Drops Big Hint on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s 2027 World Cup Future: ‘Still Have a Lot of Cricket Left…’

Questions over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s chances of featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. With both Indian greats entering the latter stages of their careers, every series is now being viewed through the lens of whether they can remain part of India’s plans for another global tournament.

Amid that debate, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has offered a significant vote of confidence to the veteran duo, saying he believes both players still have plenty of cricket left in them.

Speaking to Sports Yaari, Shukla stressed that the ultimate decision will belong to the national selectors, but his assessment of the two former India captains was encouraging.

“Only the selectors will decide that, but I feel Rohit and Kohli still have a lot of cricket left in them,” Shukla said.

Age Debate Grows Ahead of 2027 World Cup

Age is inevitably at the centre of the conversation. Rohit Sharma is nearing 40, while Virat Kohli will turn 38 in November. By the time the 2027 ODI World Cup arrives, both will be considerably older than most players competing at the highest level.

But age alone does not necessarily settle the argument.

Both Rohit and Kohli bring something that cannot easily be replaced — years of experience in high-pressure international matches and major ICC tournaments. Their ability to handle big occasions has been a defining feature of their careers, and that experience could remain valuable as India prepares for another World Cup campaign.

Shukla’s remarks, however, should not be interpreted as confirmation of their selection. He was clear that the responsibility rests with the selectors, meaning performances and fitness are likely to remain central to the conversation.

Competition for Places Is Getting Tougher

The debate also comes as Team India continues to introduce younger players across formats.

Under head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, India have increasingly looked towards emerging talent while planning for the future. That approach has created greater competition and means even established stars cannot simply rely on past achievements.

For Kohli and Rohit, the equation is now relatively straightforward: if they continue producing runs and maintaining the fitness required for international cricket, their experience could make a compelling case for selection.

At the same time, strong performances from younger batters could make the selectors’ job increasingly difficult.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma Sends Strong Fitness Warning Ahead of England ODIs… India Captain Begins Batting Grind After Family Break

ODI Cricket Now Holds Special Importance

Having already stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket, the ODI format remains the only avenue for Rohit and Kohli to represent India internationally.

That makes upcoming ODI assignments particularly significant.

Each series will offer the pair another opportunity to demonstrate that they can still contribute at the level India will require at the 2027 World Cup. Managing workload and maintaining consistency could be just as important as producing occasional big innings.

For India, meanwhile, the challenge will be finding the right balance between experience and transition.

Can Rohit and Kohli Make One More World Cup?

Few players have shaped Indian cricket over the past decade and a half quite like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their records, experience and influence make any discussion about moving beyond them far more complicated than a simple question of age.

But international cricket rarely guarantees anyone a farewell on their preferred terms.

Shukla’s comments suggest that, at least from his perspective, the door to the 2027 World Cup remains open. Whether Rohit and Kohli ultimately walk through it will depend on what happens on the field — and, eventually, what the selectors decide.

For now, one thing is clear: the story of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODI cricket may still have another major chapter left.