India’s cricket fans are in for a treat as the country gears up to face Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting October 19 in Perth. The spotlight is naturally on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. India’s most celebrated batting duo have officially retired from T20Is and Test cricket to focus solely on the 50-over format.
The senior pros have well and truly dominated world cricket and will continue to play a pivotal role in India’s limited-overs setup.
As the series draws near, the inevitable question looms large. Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play in the 2027 ODI World Cup? Indian cricket fans and analysts alike have been speculating about the duo’s long-term plans, and now, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has offered some clarity, though carefully measured.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 2027 World Cup? Ajit Agarkar Finally Speaks
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Agarkar stated, “They are part of the squad at the moment in Australia. They are incredible players, but it is not the forum to harp on about individual players.” He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the next World Cup, noting, “Two years from now, it is difficult to say what the situation will be. Who knows, there can be younger players who will take the spot. Both are great players, and they will not be put to the test in every match. Once they start playing, we will assess the situation.”
Agarkar’s comments make it clear that India’s selection decisions will be guided by the goal of winning major trophies, not simply by individual form or past records. “It is not like if they score three hundreds in the Australia series, they will play the World Cup in 2027. We have to take the situation into consideration,” he added.
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Agarkar’s statement comes at a crucial time, just after Shubman Gill took over as India’s new ODI captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma ahead of the Australia series. Kohli and Rohit still hold the center stage in India’s batting lineup, but the selectors are clearly thinking long term. This strategy allows the team to blend young talent gradually while still relying on the experience of two of cricket’s modern greats.
Very few players in history can match the dominance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in one-day cricket. Rohit has built a remarkable reputation for effortless stroke play. He is best known for his six-hitting, and record-breaking double centuries.
Overall, he scored 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs. It is worth noting that he smashed 32 centuries and 58 fifties. On the other hand, Virat Kohli delivers performances that constantly leave fans and critics in awe. The modern-day run machine accumulated 14,181 runs in 302 ODIs.
He hit 51 centuries and 74 fifties. The veteran is best known for anchoring innings under pressure. He is the best finisher in the world. Kohli and Rohit actively inspire the next generation of Indian cricketers to raise their game and dream big.
As the Australia series approaches, cricket fans will watch every move of Kohli and Rohit—not just for the runs they score, but for clues about their future in Indian cricket. Will they continue in major tournaments like the 2027 World Cup, or will the team shift more responsibility to young talent to carry India’s limited-overs legacy forward?
Ajit Agarkar’s remarks suggest that the team management is carefully balancing experience with youth. This strategy makes sure that the team stays strong while slowly moving into a new era of cricket.
Meanwhile, the first of the three-match ODI series between Australia and India is just a day away from getting underway at Optus Stadium in Perth. The second and third ODIs will kick off on October 23 and 25 at Adelaide Oval and SCG, respectively.
