Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Assessing Their Chances for ODI World Cup 2027, Current Form, and Upcoming Series

India’s cricketing journey is defined by legends, and among them, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the brightest stars. As the world shifts focus to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027, speculation is rife about whether these two all-time greats will don the blue jersey for one final campaign. Their form, fitness, and involvement in upcoming series provide crucial hints about their future in international cricket.

Current Status: Retired From T20Is & Tests, ODI Focus

In the past 18 months, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have announced retirements from T20 Internationals and Test cricket—intentionally pivoting their careers toward focusing solely on ODIs. This strategic move keeps their World Cup dreams alive and marks a new chapter in their professional journeys. The pair last played international cricket together six months ago in ODIs, a gap that is now being addressed with the start of fresh bilateral series.​

Rohit Sharma: Form, Fitness & Leadership

Rohit’s transformation ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. Reports indicate his Yo-Yo test fitness soared to an unofficial 19.4—phenomenal for an athlete approaching 40 years of age. Rohit reportedly lost 15-20 kilos in a month, displaying an elite physical condition that has silenced his critics and reignited his ODI career prospects. The BCCI’s experts have been impressed with his work ethic, suggesting he is not just gearing up for the Asia Cup but also positioning himself for the 2027 World Cup.​

In 2025, Rohit played 11 ODIs, scored 504 runs at a stellar average of 50.40 with a strike rate nearing 98, and registered two centuries and two fifties. He rose to the ICC’s No. 1 ODI batter spot, proving his form remains world-class. His captaincy continues to draw praise, while his batting, particularly in run chases and high-pressure games, shows he still thrives at the top level.​

Virat Kohli: Consistency And Milestones

Virat Kohli’s ODI focus after stepping away from Tests and T20Is has kept him relevant and highly competitive. In the latest phase of his career, Kohli cemented his place in cricket’s history by breaking records: the fastest player to 14,000 ODI runs, a match-winning century in the 2025 Champions Trophy, and an influential role in several successful campaigns. He continues to perform in the IPL as well, scoring 657 runs in 15 innings at an average above 54 in 2025—finishing as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer.​

His ODI numbers for the year, though limited in matches (2 ODIs, 63 runs, top score of 52), highlight that he remains a valued asset to the side. Kohli’s impeccable fitness regime and hunger for runs suggest he is well-positioned for future ODI challenges and is keeping himself in the World Cup frame.​

Selectors’ Views & Critics’ Opinions

The Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, recently clarified that neither player is being evaluated on “trial” during upcoming ODI series like Australia. Their legacy and records merit respect, and their inclusion in the 2027 World Cup squad will not depend solely on performances in a single series.

Ricky Ponting, Ravi Shastri, and Aaron Finch—luminaries of world cricket—have all voiced support for their presence in the next World Cup, stressing that their experience could prove invaluable for India in an event of such magnitude. While Sunil Gavaskar cautioned that only a “string of centuries” would guarantee their spots, the consensus remains optimistic barring drastic loss of form or fitness.​

Upcoming ODI Series: Key Opportunities

The India vs South Africa ODI series kicks off November 30, 2025, followed by matches on December 3 and December 6 at Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. Both stalwarts are expected to play prominent roles. After that, the squad will face New Zealand in January 2026, with games in Baroda, Rajkot, and Indore. These series provide ample opportunity for Rohit and Kohli to showcase their match-winning abilities and bolster their case for World Cup selection.​

Upcoming ODI Fixtures Table (2025-2026)

Age Factors And The Road To 2027

By the 2027 World Cup in Southern Africa, Rohit Sharma will be over 40, and Virat Kohli past 39. While age remains a factor, precedent exists—Imran Khan and Sachin Tendulkar have played major ICC tournaments in their late 30s and early 40s. Fitness, form, and impact—not just years—will be the selectors’ benchmark. Both players currently pass the fitness and performance criteria comfortably, with milestone records backing their cases.​

Legacy, Influence, And Team Balance

Their possible inclusion in the 2027 World Cup is about more than statistics. Both players offer leadership, calm in crucial moments, and tactical acumen. The presence of proven match-winners alongside emerging stars (Gill, Jaiswal, Sudharsan) could give India a powerful blend of youth and experience. Rohit and Kohli bring unmatched crowd draw, media interest, and the kind of big-match temperament required for international success.​

Conclusion: The 2027 Dream

In summary, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain strong contenders for India’s 2027 World Cup squad. Their recent performances, fitness benchmarks, and the selectors’ backing point to continued involvement in top-tier ODI cricket. These upcoming ODI assignments will further solidify their World Cup aspirations, making the road to 2027 both compelling and crucial for India’s fortunes.

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