Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma uncertain for ODI Word Cup 2027? Former Indian head coach predicts
The former head coach of the Indian side, Ravi Shastri, has been unsure on the selection of the two former captains and veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be back in competitive cricket since the end of the IPL2025 and for the first time for the national side since February this year when they earned the Champions Trophy 2025. There are speculations if the veterans would find the same rhythm and form during the series, which would be critical for their selection.
However, the former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, is uncertain around the future of the batting duo for the upcoming World Cup. He reckoned that the entire selection depends on their hunger and fitness as he compared it with Steve Smith from Australia’s point of view.
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“That's why they're here. They're part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it's their call. It’s the same thing with Steve Smith from Australia's point of view.” Shastri expressed to Kayo Sports’ reporters in Sydney.
Ravi Shastri unsure of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing ODI World Cup 2027
Shastri also praised India’s performance in their title winning campaign of Asia Cup 2025. He also lauded Tilak Varma’s knock and pointed out the solid future in the presence of Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and others in the shortest format.
“Verma’s innings in that Asia Cup final was absolutely fantastic. Because under pressure to play like that (was impressive). There's some good young guns there in (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, there's (Shubman) Gill, there's Tilak Varma. A lot of good young talent and lot of allrounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, so it's a strong white-ball unit.” The former Indian all-rounder explained.
“India is much stronger in white ball than the red ball. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli- they know that these youngsters are pushing them. But there's no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.” Shastri concluded.
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