Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting believes that Indian superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are doing everything in their power to prolong their careers and feature in the next ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in South Africa in October-November 2027.
I can see Virat, Rohit pushing ahead and trying to get to ODI World Cup 2027: Ricky Ponting
Having retired from Test cricket last year, both former Indian captains are now focused solely on the 50-over international format. Outside of ODI commitments, the majority of their competitive game time comes from the IPL. In the T20 league, Kohli has remarkably redefined his consistency levels, while Rohit has also performed reasonably well despite being hampered by a persistent hamstring injury.
Ponting, who famously captained Australia to back-to-back ODI World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, emphasized that players of their caliber possess a rare longevity. He noted that one can simply never write off proven champions like Kohli and Rohit when it comes to delivering on the grandest stage.
"I can see them pushing ahead and trying to get there. One thing I've always said about champion players is you never say no. You never write them off," Ponting, the head coach of Punjab Kings in the IPL, told PTI.
"Virat's been a good example of that again through this IPL. He's not playing as much international cricket as he once was, but that determination and want to win is still there. Rohit Sharma has turned up at this IPL in better physical condition than I've seen him probably in about 10 or 12 years. "So the passion is still there for those guys to push on and make themselves the best players they can be. So like I said, you never say never," he added.
Virat Kohli's scorching form in ODIs continues
Kohli is currently among the leading run-getters in the tournament, having amassed 542 runs in 13 games, including a spectacular century. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has been operating as an impact player for the Mumbai Indians since returning from a hamstring injury. Despite his limited role, Rohit has made a solid impact, scoring 283 runs in eight appearances, which includes two half-centuries. Impressively, both veteran batters have maintained an aggressive approach, scoring at a strike rate well above 160.
Their strong performances earned them a call-up to the Indian squad on Tuesday for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, which is set to begin on June 14. However, Rohit's inclusion remains subject to clear medical clearance, given his recent struggles with the hamstring issue.
Looking further ahead, the Indian team selectors plan to take a cautious approach regarding the veteran duo's participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rather than making any early commitments, the selection committee will evaluate both Kohli and Rohit closer to the tournament, making a final decision based entirely on their fitness and form at that time.