It will be challenging for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup after retiring from the other two formats, according to an audacious assertion made by former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh. After helping India win the World Cup last year, the two cricketing titans retired from T20Is. This year, they said goodbye to the red-ball format, which surprised many. The duo, however, will continue to feature in the 50-over format and have occasionally stated that they would like to win the 2027 World Cup trophy.
Kohli and Rohit enjoyed remarkable batting outings in the 2023 World Cup, but the heartbreaking loss in the final dashed their hopes of lifting the coveted trophy. Still, they remain hungry for another shot at glory.
Harbhajan has expressed doubts about the duo's prospects of playing in the 2027 World Cup. Giving up on two formats, in his opinion, might restrict their match practice and affect how well they play as the game goes on.
"It's too far, actually. It's been a very long time, and they are not playing any other formats. It becomes very difficult for anyone, no matter how much commitment you have or how big a great you are. If you do not play the game continuously, somewhere the game moves ahead and you are left behind," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
The former spinner continued by bringing up the example of MS Dhoni, who continued to play in the IPL despite retiring from international cricket following the 2019 World Cup. He didn't mince words when he pointed out how Dhoni's batting form had declined noticeably in recent years.
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"It will be hard. We have seen MS Dhoni playing in the IPL. Look at his performance in the last three years. You see the difference between this Dhoni and the Dhoni from six years ago when he was playing for India consistently,” Harbhajan added.
Kohli and Rohit are set to return for India’s ODI side in a three-match series in Australia, beginning October 19, 2025. With their retirements from T20Is and Tests, the seasoned duo is expected to bolster the top order, adding experience and stability ahead of a packed white-ball schedule.
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