No Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in India's squad for 2027 ODI World Cup, Sunil Gavaskar makes bold claim

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma need to hit big until World Cup, believes Sunil Gavaskar. (Photo: BCCI)

Many supporters questioned whether the two best figures in Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, were committed to extending their One-Day International careers, in which they received numerous honors, after they announced their retirement from Test cricket prior to India's visit of England.

Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar, however, had doubts about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's chances of playing in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Gavaskar thinks the legendary pair might not be included in India's preparations for the upcoming 50-over World Cup, even if their recent retirements from Test cricket have stoked rumors about their future in ODIs. The 2027 ICC ODI World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

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"I don't think they'll be playing," Gavaskar told Sports Today, adding, "To be honest, unless they hit a golden patch, scoring hundreds consistently, I don’t see them being part of the 2027 squad. But if they do, even God can’t drop them."

The former captain of India recognized Rohit and Kohli's important contributions to ODI cricket, notably their role in India's Champions Trophy victory earlier this year. He did, however, stress that impact and performance will be the primary determinants of selection.

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"The selectors will need to ask themselves whether the two can still make the kind of difference they have in the past," Gavaskar said. "If the answer is yes, then they’ll certainly be picked."

Speaking about their decision to retire from Test cricket, Gavaskar said he wasn't shocked by the timing and thought the players may have made the choice after speaking with the selectors.

"For two great cricketers to retire on their own terms is what everyone hoped for—and that’s exactly what has happened," he said. "They’ve walked away after telling the world they’re done."

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Gavaskar also commended Ajit Agarkar, the current chief selector, for putting Indian cricket's development and advancement first, even if it meant making tough choices.

"You need someone who’s willing to take hard calls for the good of the team," Gavaskar noted. "That’s how you move forward, not in a sluggish way but with intent."

In a major endorsement, Gavaskar dismissed worries over bowler Jasprit Bumrah's workload and threw his weight behind him as India's future Test captain.

"For me, it has to be Bumrah," he said. "If someone else leads, they may overuse him. But as captain, Bumrah can manage his own spells, knowing exactly when to bowl and when to rest."

He went on to say that Bumrah is a perfect fit to captain the red-ball team because of his awareness of his body and the match situation.

When Gavaskar looked back on Rohit Sharma's career, he stated the stylish opener always put the joy of batting first and never pursued personal goals.

"People might argue he could’ve achieved more, but Rohit played with freedom and elegance," Gavaskar said. "Even after settling in, he took risks. That may have cost him centuries, but it’s also what made him a delight to watch."