Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Charting India’s Path to the 2027 ODI World Cup
With the curtains drawn on their illustrious Test careers, Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are now setting their sights on the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Having bid adieu to the longest format and T20 Internationals, the duo will channel their unparalleled expertise into the 50-over format, aiming to leave an indelible mark in what could be their final World Cup campaign. As India embarks on a crucial three-year journey, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these modern-day legends balance experience with mentorship in the build-up to the marquee event.
India’s roadmap to the 2027 World Cup is packed with opportunity. The team is scheduled to play 27 ODIs across nine bilateral series against eight different nations, offering a rigorous testing ground for both strategy and stamina. This includes six home series and three overseas tours, ensuring exposure to diverse conditions ranging from the spin-friendly pitches of the subcontinent to the bouncy tracks of southern Africa. If fitness permits, both Kohli and Sharma could feature in the majority of these matches—potentially 20–22 games each—allowing them to fine-tune their form while grooming the next generation of Indian cricketers.
Virat Kohli, who recently hung up his Test whites after a stellar career of 123 matches and 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, has been a colossus in ODIs. His record as the highest run-scorer in the 2023 World Cup, hosted in India, where he amassed 765 runs in 11 matches, speaks volumes of his dominance. Having also retired from T20Is earlier this year, Kohli’s focus on ODIs is unwavering, with a burning desire to add another World Cup title to his glittering resume.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, brings a different kind of gravitas. After captaining India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and stepping away from the shortest format, the ‘Hitman’ has reaffirmed his commitment to ODIs. In a recent statement, Rohit asserted, ‘I will continue to play the ODI format,’ signaling his intent to lead from the front. With 10,709 runs in 262 ODIs at an average of 49.12, including 31 centuries, his appetite for big scores and crucial knocks remains a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup.
The coming years will be a delicate balancing act for the Indian team management. Workload management for these two stalwarts will be paramount, especially considering their age—Kohli will be 38 and Rohit 40 by the time the 2027 World Cup rolls around. Selectors will also use this period to build squad depth, testing new combinations and integrating young talent. The likes of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are likely to benefit from the mentorship of Kohli and Rohit, ensuring a seamless transition as India aims to blend experience with youthful exuberance.
As the journey unfolds, these 27 ODIs will serve as more than just preparation; they are a canvas for crafting a lasting legacy. For Kohli, it’s about cementing his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen ever, while for Rohit, it’s about leading India to another global title. The southern African setting of the 2027 World Cup, with its challenging pitches and passionate crowds, promises to be the perfect stage for one final dance. Will this iconic duo lift the coveted trophy once more? Only time will tell, but for now, every boundary and every captaincy call will be a step towards immortality.