Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma In 2027 World Cup Squad No Guarantee, Says BCCI Vice President

Rajeev Shukla alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have always remained at the centre of discussion when it comes to their chances of playing in the 2027 World Cup, with the latter recently being discussed because of his uncertain chances of making the squad. 

Both Rohit and Virat have reached almost the end of their cricketing careers, having retired from the Test and T20I formats of the game. Now, as they continue to play the ODI format, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has shared his verdict on the chances of Kohli and Rohit making it into India's 2027 World Cup squad. 

BCCI Vice-President clears air on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's chances for 2027 World Cup

While the team management and selectors are still looking at the puzzle of including Rohit Sharma in the playing XI, Virat Kohli is more likely to be a natural fit at number three in the ODI squad. 

Kohli's recent performances have also been breathtaking, with Rohit Sharma's chances still clouded by fitness concerns and a recent string of poor performances. 

Nevertheless, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has shared his views on the inclusion of the duo in the World Cup squad while speaking exclusively to Sports Yaari.

The anchor of the video asked whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would be playing in the 2027 World Cup. Shukla was optimistic and positive about their inclusion but hinted that the decision ultimately lies in the hands of the selectors. 

“Only the selectors will decide that, but I feel Rohit and Kohli still have a lot of cricket left in them,” Shukla shared.

It is also worth noting that Rajeev Shukla is one of the most influential figures in the BCCI hierarchy. However, his statement does not guarantee the inclusion or exclusion of either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli for the major tournament in 2027. 

Apparently, he hasn't given any definite answer and has left the selection call to the selection committee.

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Rohit Sharma lags behind Kohli in World Cup 2027 race

For the unaware, recent reports and media discussions have suggested that Rohit has shown no intention of leaving the India team before the 2027 World Cup. 

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has also offered assurances about their chances of playing. However, it will ultimately be the BCCI and the selection panel who will have the final call on their inclusion in the mega tournament alongside Kohli.

Notably, Rohit Sharma's inclusion in the squad has recently been judged by his match-winning capability, which has primarily earned him the reputation of being the 'Hitman' of the game. 

According to a Sportstar report, certain individuals within the BCCI are currently questioning whether Rohit still possesses the match-winning pedigree required of an ODI opener.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli's fitness and recent form make him an eligible top-order batter for the squad. Recently, he scored at an average of 48 during the England tour while registering one half-century. 

The New Zealand tour ahead of IPL 2026 also saw an outstanding Kohli, who averaged 80.00 across three innings, including a century and a score of 93 off 91 deliveries, underlining his intent and ability to stand tall under pressure.

When will Rohit and Kohli next play cricket for India?

Both Rohit and Kohli last featured on the England tour in July 2026. After that, both players will rest until late September, as the Men in Blue will be busy playing the Afghanistan T20I series and participating in the Asian Games 2026.

Notably, from September 27, India will host the West Indies for a white-ball series, during which three ODIs will be played. It is likely that the duo will be included in those matches, and with no recent reports of injuries to either player, they are also likely to feature in the playing XI.

After the West Indies series, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are likely to travel to New Zealand for another five-match ODI series. To conclude the cricketing calendar of India, the duo will likely play the ODI matches against Zimbabwe in January 2027.

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