Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain in contention for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup campaign, with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas saying that age should not be the deciding factor in their selection.
Manhas told Sportstar that players should be assessed on their fitness and performances, while making clear that the final decision rests with the selectors and coaching staff. His comments offer encouragement to supporters hoping to see the experienced batters compete in another 50-over World Cup, but they do not confirm either player’s place in the squad.
The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled for October and November next year, with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia sharing hosting duties. With the tournament approaching, India’s plans for its senior players and the next generation are attracting growing attention.
Fitness and form to shape India’s selection
Manhas said the selection process should focus on whether players remain fit, perform consistently and contribute to winning matches, rather than relying on their ages.
The distinction matters because both Kohli and Rohit will be approaching major age milestones during the tournament. Rohit turns 40 in April 2027, while Kohli turns 39 in November 2027.
However, age alone does not settle the question of their suitability for international cricket. Their performances, physical condition and the team’s requirements will all be relevant when the selection panel assesses its options.
India’s final World Cup squad has not been confirmed, and Manhas’s comments should not be interpreted as an official selection announcement.
Recent ODI performances keep the debate alive
The two batters have continued to provide reasons for India to consider their experience.
Kohli scored an unbeaten 139 in the recent ODI series against the West Indies, while Rohit recorded a century and another substantial score. Their contributions helped keep the focus on what they could offer India in the lead-up to the global tournament.
Both players have retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals, leaving ODI cricket as their remaining international format. That makes their preparation for the 2027 tournament particularly important, given the limited international format in which they now represent India.
For the selectors, the challenge will be to weigh current output against fitness, future workload and the balance required across the squad. Recent runs can strengthen a player’s case, but selection for a major tournament depends on more than a handful of performances.
Experience could support Shubman Gill’s leadership
Manhas also discussed how experienced players could help India’s ODI captain, Shubman Gill, manage the demands of leading the side.
He indicated that senior players such as Kohli, Rohit and Hardik Pandya could provide support, while Jasprit Bumrah and other members of the squad could contribute leadership within their respective roles. The approach would allow responsibilities to be shared rather than resting entirely on the captain.
Gill’s leadership and India’s squad balance will be important considerations as the team prepares for the next World Cup. Experienced players can offer tactical knowledge and composure under pressure, while younger players provide additional options and competition for places.
The eventual combination will depend on the team’s requirements and the form of players available during the selection period.
What happens next for Kohli and Rohit?
India’s preparations will continue to provide opportunities for both players to demonstrate their value in the ODI format. Their performances and fitness over the coming months will be important factors in determining whether they make the final squad.
Virat Kohli has already confirmed that the 2027 World Cup will be his last World Cup appearance for India in the 50-over format, making the tournament a stated personal goal. Rohit Sharma has also expressed his interest in competing in the event. Neither player’s ambitions, however, amount to a guarantee of selection.
For now, Manhas’s position is clear: age should not automatically rule out either batter. Whether Kohli and Rohit ultimately travel to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia for the tournament will be decided through India’s selection process.
Q1. Will Virat Kohli play in the 2027 ODI World Cup?
Kohli remains a possible candidate, but his selection has not been confirmed. His fitness, performances and the selectors’ decision will determine whether he makes India’s squad.
Q2. Will Rohit Sharma play in the 2027 World Cup?
Rohit remains in contention, but he has not been guaranteed a place. India’s selectors and coaching staff will make the final decision.
Q3. What did BCCI president Mithun Manhas say about Kohli and Rohit?
Manhas said fitness and performance should determine selection rather than age. He also clarified that the final decision belongs to the selectors and coaches.
Q4. When will the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup take place?
The tournament is scheduled for October and November 2027. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will host the event.
Q5. How old will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli be during the 2027 World Cup?
Rohit will be 40, having turned 40 in April 2027. Kohli will turn 39 in November 2027.
Q6. Who will captain India in the 2027 ODI World Cup?
Shubman Gill is India’s ODI captain, and BCCI president Mithun Manhas has discussed the value of senior players supporting his leadership. The final tournament arrangements remain subject to the team’s plans and selection decisions.
Q7. Has Virat Kohli announced that the 2027 World Cup will be his last?
Yes. Kohli said the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup would be his last World Cup appearance for India in the 50-over format.
