Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India's legendary former captains, are all set to feature in the upcoming 3-match ODI series against Australia. However, for both stalwarts, the journey to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 is far from straightforward.
Their shared dream of lifting the 50-over World Cup trophy was heartbreakingly crushed on November 19, 2023, when India lost to Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup Final. Determined not to let that be the final chapter of their ODI legacy, the duo is now eyeing redemption. Having recently led India to glory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, they’ve made it clear—they are not done with the ODI format.
In contrast, both players have stepped away from the other formats. After enduring a challenging run in Test cricket over the past year, they chose to retire from the red-ball game in mid-2025. Earlier, they had bid farewell to the T20I format after clinching the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This leaves them now as ODI specialists—the only format they remain committed to.
But their path ahead isn’t smooth. The biggest hurdle? A lack of regular ODI fixtures before the 2027 World Cup. This scarcity of matches poses a major challenge in maintaining rhythm, form, and fitness in a format that demands a unique blend of endurance and adaptability. The BCCI has also hinted at transitioning leadership, handing over the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill—a clear sign of the changing guard.
During the squad announcement for the Australia series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed uncertainty over the inclusion of Kohli and Rohit in the 2027 World Cup plans, adding another layer of pressure on the veteran duo.
However, both players have identified a potential solution. According to recent reports, Rohit and Kohli are likely to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26, as well as other domestic 50-over competitions. This move is aimed at keeping themselves in contention by staying match-fit and relevant in the format.
In terms of international ODIs, India’s calendar remains light. Following the Australia series, India will host South Africa for a 3-match ODI series in late November 2025. Early 2026 will see New Zealand tour India for another 3 ODIs. But after that, there's a six-month gap before India travels to England in July 2026 for a 3-match ODI series. The latter half of the year includes a home series against the West Indies (3 ODIs) and an away series in New Zealand (3 ODIs). Sri Lanka will tour India for another 3-match ODI series before the year ends.
During this period, India will also play multiple T20I series, Test matches, and compete in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026—formats in which neither Rohit nor Kohli will feature. While both will continue to play in the IPL, the pressure and demands of the 50-over format are of an entirely different nature. To fill these gaps and maintain their cricket forms, Rohit and Virat will participate in some of the domestic matches.
As the countdown to the 2027 ODI World Cup begins, India’s iconic duo—RO-KO—face a defining chapter in their careers. Whether they can overcome the limited opportunities and the selectors' doubts to script a fairytale finish remains to be seen.