Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli focus on 2027 World Cup

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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are continuing their ODI careers with the 2027 World Cup as their stated destination, while India prepare to face West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

The senior batters have finished their Test and T20I careers, leaving the 50-over format as their remaining route in international cricket. The original report said both players continue to train with the squad and match the workload of younger teammates.

Kohli identifies the 2027 tournament as his final World Cup

Virat Kohli has said the 2027 World Cup will be his final World Cup for India and that winning the tournament remains his primary objective. The competition is scheduled to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India,” Kohli told JioStar. “The goal is absolutely to win the World Cup, and whatever it takes, I’m absolutely ready.”

Kohli enters this phase of his ODI career with 54 centuries in the format, according to the source report. The reduced international schedule places greater focus on each ODI appearance before the tournament.

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Rohit’s recent England innings answered retirement discussion

Rohit Sharma reinforced his intention to continue in ODIs by scoring 138 in the third ODI against England at Lord’s two months before the source report. The innings followed discussion about his international future.

Rohit is approaching his 40th birthday, while Kohli is nearing 38. Despite their ages, both batters remain part of India’s ODI plans and continue to work towards the next World Cup.

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Morkel values the pair’s experience around India’s squad

India bowling coach Morne Morkel said Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provide experience that can help the team and support Shubman Gill. Morkel also highlighted the value of senior players leading conversations within the squad.

“It’s always great to have that experience back in the team, to guide Shubman as well,” Morkel said.

Morkel said discussions led by Rohit and Kohli could benefit the wider group. The source report also identified Naman Dhir and Aquib Nabi as younger players who could exchange knowledge with the experienced pair.

West Indies match forms part of India’s ODI build-up

India’s match against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram provides another step in the team’s preparation for the 2027 World Cup. The fixture also gives Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli another opportunity to contribute in the only international format they continue to play.

India are scheduled to play at least 25 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, according to the source report. Team combinations, player workloads and the roles of senior batters will remain part of India’s planning during that period.