ODI World Cup 2027 / Will Virat-Rohit not be able to play the next World Cup? Ganguly explained the problem

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Test cricket. Now both these legends will be seen playing only in the ODI format. The 2027 ODI World Cup is their target, but age and fitness will be a big challenge. Sourav Ganguly said, it will not be easy to play continuously at this age.

ODI World Cup 2027: Two legendary names of Indian cricket – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – have now said goodbye to Test cricket. Just before the five-match Test series against England, both the experienced players took this big decision, which is considered to be the end of an era in Indian cricket. However, fans will still get a chance to see both of them in ODI cricket. It is estimated that both these players can take the field for the ODI World Cup 2027.

Ganguly expressed concern

After this decision, former captain Sourav Ganguly also expressed his opinion. Talking to PTI, Ganguly said,

“We should understand that with time the game gets away from everyone and the players also get away from the game. Playing 15 ODIs in a year will not be easy for them.”

Ganguly was pointing out that at this stage of age, it may be challenging for Rohit and Virat to maintain match fitness and perform at a consistently high level. By the time the World Cup 2027 is held, Virat will be 38 years old and Rohit will be 40 years old. By then, both of them will be limited to the ODI format only.

Preparation and schedule for the 2027 World Cup

The ICC ODI World Cup 2027 will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. India has to play a total of 9 bilateral ODI series till this tournament, that is, about 27 ODI matches. This means that Virat and Rohit will play about 12 to 15 ODIs in a year.

However, both these giants have not yet given any indication of retirement from the ODI format and both seem excited for the next World Cup journey. But the final decision will also depend on the attitude of the team management and the selection committee.

Virat and Rohit's excellent ODI statistics

Virat Kohli is called the king of ODI cricket. So far, he has played 302 ODIs, scored 14181 runs, average 57.88, 51 centuries and 74 half-centuries to his name. Rohit Sharma's records are also no less: 273 ODIs, 11168 runs, average 48.76, and the highest score in ODI history of 264 runs. Rohit is the only batsman to have three double centuries in ODIs. Both the players recently retired from the T20 format after helping India win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.