![Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [Source: AFP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1754799576902_virat_kohli_rohit_sharma_india(1).jpg?type=mq)
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [Source: AFP Photos]
With India’s next international assignment still weeks away, speculation is swirling around the ODI futures of modern greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Having already retired from Tests and T20Is, the duo is believed to be targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup as their farewell.
However, fresh reports suggest their 50-over careers could end sooner than expected, with fans even concerned about Kohli's ageing after a viral photo of him with a white beard practising in London went viral.
Kohli, Rohit Might Not Feature In 2027 World Cup
According to Dainik Jagran, the upcoming Australia ODI series, which is set to start from October 19, might be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's last in the format. The report cites a BCCI source, stating that if Kohli and Rohit intend to play the 2027 World Cup, they must feature in December’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, akin to how Test players were asked to prove themselves in the Ranji Trophy earlier this year.
The selectors’ focus is reportedly shifting towards younger talents, keeping the next World Cup cycle in mind. While both veterans played Ranji Trophy after the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they later retired from Tests in 2025 and retired from T20Is post India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
Nevertheless, the legacy both these greats leave is unmatched. While Kohli, who boasts the second-most fifties in ODIs, bagged 14181 from 302 matches at an average of 57.88, Rohit Sharma, India's current ODI captain brags 11168 runs from 273 matches at a strike rate of 92.80.
India’s packed ODI schedule includes series against South Africa, New Zealand, England, and the West Indies in 2025-26. If the rumours hold, the Australia ODIs could mark the end of an era, unless Kohli and Rohit silence doubters once more.
.jpg)
