While the in-transition Indian Test team continues to be praised for their performance in the recently concluded tour of England, the BCCI has reportedly started planning for the next ODI World Cup cycle.
And it could well decide the future of two of India’s finest cricketers – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Rohit and Kohli have retired from Tests and T20Is, and the perception is that the duo will continue playing ODIs with the 2027 world cup being the obvious goal. However, their age, motivation and lack of match practice will be crucial in deciding whether the team management wants them to continue playing the one-day format.
According to a report by news agency PTI, with nearly two years before the next ODI World Cup gets underway in Africa, the BCCI would like to give chances to youngsters as they start building a team that could bring home the coveted trophy for the first time since 2011.
Rohit is 38 and Kohli 36. The next time the two are expected to be back in action will be in Australia for a three-match ODI series in October this year followed by a home series against South Africa in November-December.
Next year, they will have another six ODIs between January and July. Will this be good enough to keep them motivated and in prime shape for the world cup?
“Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup (November 2027). Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so, there has to be a clear plan ahead for the big event as our last win was in 2011. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
Kohli, Rohit Won’t Be Forced Out
However, there are no plans to force the duo out from one-day cricket. They retired from T20Is on a high as India clinched the world cup last year. From Tests though, they quietly bid their goodbyes, via social media.
“Look, both Kohli and Rohit have made huge contributions to white ball cricket for the team and the sport in general. They have achieved almost everything. So, I don’t think nobody’s going to force their hand, but there will be some honest and professional conversations before the next ODI cycle starts to see where they stand mentally and physically. It depends on that,” the source said.
Lack of Match Time
The last time Rohit and Kohli played an ODI was the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy in March. Since then, they have played in IPL. And since they have now only play one format, it means there will be less match-time for either.
Would this mean that Rohit and Kohli could make appearances in domestic cricket? The BCCI guidelines do say that a contracted player should be available to play for his domestic team if not playing international cricket.
Interestingly, the domestic white ball competitions start only in November with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20s followed by the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December.
