Team India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar talked at length about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's chances of featuring in the ODI World Cup 2027.
Will Virat, Rohit play ODI World Cup 2027? Ajit Agarkar answers
Apparently, Agarkar confirmed that a final decision on Rohit and Virat's participation for the 2027 ODI World Cup has not yet been made. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Agarkar addressed the ongoing speculation about the two batters' future in the 50-over format. This chatter intensified after Shubman Gill replaced Rohit as the ODI captain ahead of the upcoming series against Australia. However, Agarkar stressed that, given their immense achievements, the two stalwarts will not be put to the test in every match they play leading up to the tournament. Both Rohit and Kohli are currently part of India's squad for the ODI series against Australia, which is slated to start from October 19.
Focus on the present
Agarkar made it clear that the star duo will "surely be in the mix of things going forward," refusing to treat Kohli and Rohit as if they are on a trial period. Emphasising the importance of staying focused on the immediate future rather than looking too far ahead, the chief selector chose not to definitively commit to or discard the chances of Kohli and Rohit playing in the 2027 World Cup.
"They are part of the squad at the moment for Australia. Like I said, they have been incredible players for a long time. And it’s probably not the forum to keep harping on individuals because you want to try and focus on the team and what the team wants to achieve. And in 2 years' time, we don't know what the situation is going to be. Why only them? It could be some younger player too," Agarkar said during the NDTV World Cup Summit 2025.
A packed schedule ahead
India's ODI schedule is heavy between now and the 2027 World Cup, offering numerous opportunities for the team to find its balance. The immediate future includes a three-match ODI series in Australia, followed by another three-match series at home against South Africa. Looking into 2026, the team is set to travel to New Zealand and England for more ODIs. In total, India already has 27 matches lined up before the World Cup, with more expected in 2027.
You are not going to put them on trial for every game: Agarkar
Whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can maintain their form and fitness through this period is a question only time will answer. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar firmly stated that the star duo will not be judged on a series-by-series basis. When asked if Kohli and Rohit would face assessment after every series, Agarkar dismissed the idea, saying, "That would be a bit silly, isn't it?"
"When a guy averages over 50, and the other close to it. You are not going to put them on trial for every game, but 2027 is a long way ahead. Both play one format. They are playing after what… 7 months. They haven't had a lot of cricket. Once they start playing, then you assess. They have achieved all they had to in terms of winning trophies but also runs.
"It’s not that if both of them don’t get runs this series, that will be the reason they won’t be here. Or because they get 300 runs, that will be the reason. 2027 is still a long way ahead. We will see how the team shapes up. We have some ideas, and as we go along, we will see how the team is progressing," Agarkar concluded.