Kohli and Rohit’s ODI future hinges on Australia series ahead of 2027 World Cup

India’s head coach has confirmed that veteran cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are nearing the end of their ODI journey ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Both players have been selected for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, and former coach Ravi Shastri believes that the tour will be crucial in determining their World Cup prospects.

With Kohli and Rohit having already retired from Tests and T20Is, ODIs remain their only active format. Shastri emphasized that only exceptional performances in Australia can secure their places in India’s 2027 World Cup squad. The overseas tour holds added significance, as the playing conditions will closely resemble those expected in the next World Cup — quite different from the subcontinent pitches.

Currently, India’s only confirmed white-ball tour abroad is the one against Australia, while the remaining series against South Africa and New Zealand will be played at home. The England series is still far away, leaving little clarity on future selections.

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In a recent interaction, Shastri highlighted the importance of the Australia series. “That’s why they’re here,” he said. “They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, hunger, and form. This series will reveal where they stand. By the end of it, they’ll know how they feel — and it’ll be their call.”

Although the next World Cup is still two years away, age remains a concern — Kohli is 36 and Rohit 38 — leading selectors to consider long-term alternatives. Yet, Shastri pointed out that experience often proves decisive in high-pressure matches, recalling their standout performances in the Champions Trophy, where Kohli led India to victory in the semifinal against Australia and Rohit shone in the final against New Zealand. “There’s no substitute for experience in big games. When the stakes are high, the big boys step up,” he remarked.

The former coach also praised emerging Indian talents such as Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill. “Varma’s innings in the Asia Cup final was brilliant — playing that way under pressure was impressive,” Shastri said. He also lauded India’s strong pool of all-rounders, including Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.

Concluding his remarks, Shastri asserted that India’s white-ball team currently appears stronger than its red-ball counterpart. “India is much stronger in white-ball cricket. Rohit and Virat know that these young players are pushing them,” he said.