(Source X)
By the time the next ODI World Cup arrives in 2027, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be approaching their 40s. Scheduled to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, this ICC event marks a significant juncture in the careers of these stalwarts of Indian cricket.
Rohit Sharma, who has been a consistent presence in the cricketing arena since the previous ODI World Cup, not only captained the team to victory in the T20 World Cup but also secured the coveted title. His recent triumph has solidified his position as the ODI skipper, endorsed by the new management led by Gautam Gambhir.
Speaking to News 24 Sports, former Indian wicket-keeper batsman and selector Saba Karim expressed optimism about Rohit Sharma’s potential to participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup, provided he maintains his fitness. Karim highlighted the critical role that Rohit’s physical conditioning will play as he prepares for this prestigious tournament.
Saba Karim on Rohit Sharma’s ODI future
“It depends on Rohit Sharma as an individual. If we look at the performance there is no deficiency and we are seeing more and more progress. If everything goes well even after the Champions Trophy, Rohit maintains the same form then it is difficult to say whether he can play the 2027 ODI World Cup. It will be a take it by the year strategy and he will evaluate himself after the Champions Trophy and will decide if he can play further or not,” said Saba Karim on News 24 Sports.
The decision to retain Rohit Sharma as the T20I skipper stemmed largely from concerns over Hardik Pandya’s ongoing battle with injuries. This factor played a pivotal role in the management’s choice to overlook Pandya as Rohit’s successor, opting instead for Suryakumar Yadav, deemed a more stable option under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir. Yadav has now assumed leadership duties for India in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Since the ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma has maintained exceptional batting form, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 597 runs at an average of 54.27. Virat Kohli led the pack with 765 runs at an astounding average of 95.62, showcasing his enduring prowess on the global stage. Notably, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer also made significant contributions, both returning to bolster India’s ODI lineup.
In a discussion with News 24 Sports, Saba Karim elaborated on the meticulous team selection process undertaken by the management to ensure continuity. He clarified the exclusion of players like Abhishek Sharma and Yuzvendra Chahal, emphasizing the strategic decisions made to reinforce the squad.
Regarding the ODI team, Karim highlighted the management’s preference for experience, reflected in the recalls of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, both pivotal figures in the middle-order during recent campaigns. The inclusion of Rishabh Pant adds a dynamic left-handed batting option, further strengthening India’s ODI prospects.
Looking ahead, Karim also shared insights into the rationale behind choosing Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir underscored in a press conference that the future participation of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 ODI World Cup hinges primarily on their sustained fitness levels, reaffirming their undeniable talent and potential impact on the global stage.
