Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to retire before ODI World Cup 2027? Ajit Agarkar's response to duo's availability for mega event sparks speculations

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, where they have named Shubman Gill as the sucessor of Rohit Sharma to lead India in the fifty-over format. Rohit, who captained India in the last ODI assignment during the ICC Champions Trophy final, has been a part of the squad as a player.

Rohit and Kohli, who have already retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, will be seen in India colours for the first time since leading the team to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. There has been speculation that both stalwarts are eyeing one final campaign, the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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Ajit Agarkar for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future

However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s cryptic response when asked about their long-term availability has only sparked rumours that the duo may retire before the next 50-over World Cup.

"Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are non-committal about the 2027 World Cup" Ajit Agarkar told media during press-conference while announcing India's white ball squad against Australia

Why was Shubman Gill appointed as India's captain?

The reason behind the captaincy change is that the selectors wanted Gill to settle down before the ODI World Cup 2027, which will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Cricinfo quoted that the decision was taken collectively by Agarkar in coordination with India head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

"It was a tough call to remove someone from captaincy who has been so very successful. But sometimes we have to take such decisions from the team's perspective, looking at the future" Ajit Agarkar told media.

India vs Australia ODI venues and schedule

The ODIs are scheduled to be played in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne between October 19 and 25 and will be followed by a five-match T20 series.

Match Date Venue
1st ODI October 19 Perth Stadium
2nd ODI October 23 Adelaide Oval
3rd ODI October 25 Sydney Cricket Ground
India’s ODI squad

Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.