Truth be told and told without making a face, there is no one that can actually or ever replace Virat Kohli, especially given what the talismanic achiever has done in white-ball one-day cricket. But then,
time and tide wait for none and seasons change without waiting for anyone in particular. In front of the changing vagaries of the game, not even the greats stand tall in permanence. Ditto for the legendary Virat Kohli. He's done so much for the national team that his feats are both iconic and inspiring and in equal measure. But what is also an undisputed fact is that after 300 plus one-day games for India and at the age of 37, which he will turn come November 2025, he is not getting any younger.
The trailblazing batter who is loved and admired by his contemporaries as even the past greats from everyone whether AB de Villiers or Brian Lara, MS Dhoni or Sachin Tendulkar, may not get to play the next ODI World Cup for his country. And should that actually happen that there's no space for the great man, Team India will have to accordingly build for the future. Having said that, which are the three possible replacements for Virat Kohli if he misses ODI World Cup 2027?
Here’s a look at three possible cricketers who could replace Virat Kohli if he misses the ODI World Cup 2027:
1. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan has never previously been part of any men's ODI World Cup edition, apart from the 2 games he happened to play in the 2023 edition of the men's ODI World Cup, from which he could only score 47 runs.
This time around, with age and time on his hands, if also there being incessant competition to break into the Indian squad for the elite men's tournament, Kishan would want to cement his side. He's been around the white-ball cricket circuit for India from the onset of the 2021-22 season and has even been involved in a few in and outs from the team.
But with the confidence of having played 27 one-day games, in his short but developing career coupled with a respect worthy first-class record that includes 3600 plus runs, his could be a spot for the reckoning in the next World Cup edition.
Someone who doesn't take too much time in getting going at the top of the order, there would be many who'd love the Kishan and Gill, hence the left hand and right hand batting combination.
But will he be among the 3 possible replacements for Virat Kohli if he misses ODI World Cup 2027, we shall have to wait and see! What's incredible is that much like Gill, his good friend, he has a double hundred in ODI's already.
2. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer could likely be among the 3 possible replacements for Virat Kohli if he misses ODI World Cup 2027. The great Delhi-born batter may not necessarily be a part of the selectors' plans as far as the next edition of the premium Men's ODI World Cup event stands. Iyer, who last played the 2023 edition of the ODI Men's World Cup at home, in India, actually had a rather memorable tournament. In the 11 matches that he played, the courageous batter hailing from Mumbai actually scored in excess of 500 runs. As a matter of fact, the attacking right hander scored from 11 matches and made 2 sparkling centuries. His highest score in that tournament was 128 not out with a batting average that turned heads at 66. His strike rate too, was fascinating at being north of 112.
Iyer has the big match experience and knows a thing or two on how to shine in the big and crucial match situations. He will be raring to go in the 2027 edition of the tournament and would by then be among the most experienced names in the Indian squad.
3. Sai Sudharsan
A graceful batter who accumulates runs with glee without compromising on the sense of focus, Sudharsan has a long way to go in his international cricket journey. But from whatever's been seen about him, it can be contended that he is not just a good looking stroke maker, he bats with a sense of silent elan about him. In the testing waters of Indian international cricket, where not even the greats can consider themselves as being something of a permanent figure in international cricket, Sudharsan's strong beginnings inspire a lot of confidence. He's already broken into the Test eleven as seen in England and will, should he be given a chance, consider the opportunity of representing India in the next ODI World Cup as his mega chance, one he'd love to collect with both hands. One of the most elegant strikers of the white ball, Sudharsan can score easily on either side of the wicket.
