Why Ganguly Believes Rohit And Virat May Struggle To Make 2027 World Cup

Following their retirement from Test and T20I cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are now focusing solely on ODIs.

Many expect the iconic duo to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed doubts about their journey to that stage.

Ganguly Shares Honest View

"It won't be easy. 15 games a year. I've got no advice. I think they know the game as much as I do. And they will take a call. But all of us must understand that just like everyone, the game will go away from them and they will go away from the game," Ganguly, a former BCCI president, told PTI in an interview.

He added that while their experience is unmatched, age and workload will be key challenges.

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. By then, Rohit will be 40 and Virat 38—an age where few players stay at peak fitness in international cricket, especially with limited match opportunities outside the IPL.

India’s Remaining ODIs in 2025:

August – Tour of Bangladesh (3 ODIs)

October – Home series vs Australia (3 ODIs)

Late 2025 – Home series vs South Africa (3 ODIs)

India is scheduled to play just nine ODIs in the latter half of 2025. For Rohit and Virat, every match will count as they aim to stay relevant on the road to 2027.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's ODI stats:

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two of the most iconic batters in ODI cricket history.

Kohli has amassed over 13,500 runs in ODIs at an average of around 58, including 50 centuries—the most in the format. Rohit, on the other hand, has scored over 10,000 runs with an average close to 49 and is known for his record three double centuries.

While Kohli is praised for his consistency and chase-master reputation, Rohit’s ability to play big knocks under pressure makes him equally vital. Both remain central figures in India’s ODI setup heading towards the 2027 World Cup.

sports