Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s World Cup 2027 Absence Deemed To Be Far From Over

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: ChatGPT]

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are committed to playing till the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa next year, at least as per Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting. The former Australian captain recently praised the two Indian batting icons and acknowledged their fitness in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.

Earlier in the day, several reports stated that neither Kohli nor Rohit are confirmed to play the showpiece event, as head coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar will both be monitoring each individual's performance and fitness going forward before making any call.

Ricky Ponting praises Virat, Rohit for successful IPL 2026 run

While speaking with the PTI, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for pushing themselves this IPL 2026 season, and claimed that the two senior pros will be able to play for India up until the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa.

While Ponting admired Kohli’s proficiency for the RCB franchise off late, the Punjab Kings head coach acknowledged Rohit’s ‘physical condition’ even though the latter has been suffering from a hamstring issue.

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Ricky Ponting said “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.”

He added “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.”

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma retain prolific spark in IPL 2026

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are showcasing their age-old relentless hunger for runs this IPL 2026 season. Moreover, Kohli is one of the leading run-makers of the season overall for mounting 542 runs in just 13 innings at a prolific average of 54.20.

Rohit, on the other hand, has aggregated 283 runs in just eight innings at 40.42 with a staggering strike rate of above 160. It is worth noting that the legendary Mumbai Indians batter is also suffering from an injury concern off late.

Kohli, Sharma not confirmed for World Cup 2027

The two former Indian captains were recently selected in Team India squad for the upcoming home ODI series against Afghanistan. However, Sharma’s availability is still subject to fitness owing to his IPL 2026 injury.

Even though Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two of India’s senior most members and most prolific batters, their place in the 2027 ICC World Cup squad is not confirmed yet.

A BCCI source recently said “It is too early say that they would play in the World Cup. It is still a long way off.”

As of now, it remains to be seen how the two legendary Indian batters will fare against the visiting Afghanistan team in the impending ODIs. The ODI series between the two sides will be played between June 6 and June 20, i.e., shortly after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season.

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