Virat Kohli with Gautam Gambhir in Indian nets. Credits- AFP
Although the IPL 2026 is at its peak, the buzz has shifted after the BCCI announced the Indian Test and ODI squads for the bilateral series against Afghanistan. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - the pillars of Indian Cricket - are named in the IND vs AFG ODI squad, with the two legendary batters willing to feature in the 2027 World Cup.
Kohli is unarguably the best ODI batter to bat at the number 3 position, if not the best to play the format. No one has scored more centuries in the format than the chasemaster.
However, the place in the Indian squad for the 2027 World Cup is under scrutiny for the India batter, who has already hung up his boots in the Test and T20I formats.
Virat Kohli questions his critics for proving his worth
The 37-year-old Virat Kohli is in prolific form for RCB in the IPL 2026, scoring 542 runs in 13 innings at a career best strike rate of 164.74.
In the middle of the IPL 2026, the former RCB and India captain made a eyebrow-raising statement when he questioned his critics for his place in the Indian squad.
“My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I am a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I will be seen. If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I'm not in that space. Because I am being honest to my preparation,” Kohli stated on RCB Podcast.
As the defending champions have qualified for playoffs, Kohli has been the backbone for their batting.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Summoned To Prove Fitness
Virat Kohli's place not confirmed for 2027 WC
Virat Kohli was picked in the IND vs AFG squad, while Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma were named with subject to fitness. However, reports have emerged that his place on the flight to the South African continent for the marquee event is not confirmed.
According to India Today, the team management, led by Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, will be monitoring each individual's performance and fitness going forward.
"A team source stated that with the next ODI World Cup still far away, the doors remain open for the entire player pool. No player is permanently included or excluded from the setup, and selection will strictly depend on individual form and fitness moving forward," the report from India Today read.
This development can also be seen as an indirect dig at Virat Kohli's comments given on the recent RCB podcast. Having said that, India would need the experience of Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a tournament like the 2027 World Cup.
Virat Kohli's stats in ODI format
Overall, Virat Kohli has notched over 28,000 runs in international cricket, with 85 centuries and 146 half-centuries to his name. In ODIs alone, he has slammed 14,797 runs - the second most by any batter - at an average of 58.71.
Regarded as the best ever to play the format, Kohli is known for his ability to absorb pressure at the biggest stage. He has featured in four World Cups for India and was the leading run-getter in the 2023 edition, where the Men in Blue bowed out against Australia.
Since then, India have won two T20 World Cups and a Champions Trophy, with Kohli being a key linchpin in two of those tournaments. As the next ICC event will be played in South African conditions, Kohli's presence would be crucial.
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