Kohli & Rohit’s ODI Legacy: Will They Shine in the 2027 World Cup?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from tests but remain ODI mainstays. Will they lead India to glory in the 2027 World Cup?
Kohli and Rohit’s Final Act? India’s ODI Future Hinges on Two Legends
As Indian cricket transitions toward a younger generation, the twilight of two of its brightest stars—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—has become the centerpiece of a compelling new narrative. In the span of just five days, the duo announced their retirement from Test cricket, stirring a wave of emotion, speculation, and renewed focus on India’s white-ball future.
With at least 24 One Day Internationals scheduled ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa, India’s roadmap now hinges on the presence, performance, and persistence of its modern-day titans—two men who’ve defined an era of Indian cricket.
End of a Red-Ball Era: Farewell to Test Cricket
On May 7, Rohit Sharma bid adieu to Test cricket, concluding months of whispers surrounding his red-ball future. Not long after, Virat Kohli took to Instagram, releasing a heartfelt note to his fans, signaling the end of his Test journey as well. The timing—just before the selection meeting for the crucial England tour—suggests a calculated decision, allowing Indian selectors and fans alike to brace for a new reality.
The dual exits mark more than just a shift in the roster; they symbolize the fading of a chapter defined by resilience, flair, and unforgettable performances. While the cricketing world digested the suddenness of their exits, it was a short-lived lull—IPL 2025 was already back in full swing, and attention quickly pivoted to what lies ahead.
India’s White-Ball Horizon: A Packed ODI Calendar
Despite their red-ball retirements, Kohli and Rohit are not walking into the sunset just yet. Their retirement from Test cricket appears to be a strategic pivot to focus solely on ODIs—a format where both have reigned supreme. With the T20 World Cup scheduled for early 2026 and the 50-over World Cup lined up for 2027, India’s white-ball roadmap is dense and demanding.
Here’s a look at India’s remaining ODI fixtures as per the ICC’s Future Tours Programme:
Bangladesh vs India, August 2025 – 3 ODIs (subject to confirmation)
Australia vs India, October 2025 – 3 ODIs
India vs South Africa, Nov-Dec 2025 – 3 ODIs
India vs New Zealand, January 2026 – 3 ODIs
India vs Afghanistan, June 2026 – 3 ODIs
India vs West Indies, September 2026 – 3 ODIs
New Zealand vs India, Oct-Nov 2026 – 3 ODIs
India vs Sri Lanka, December 2026 – 3 ODIs
This robust schedule not only provides India with much-needed preparation time but also offers ample opportunities for Kohli and Rohit to fine-tune their craft in the twilight of their careers.
Will the Legends Play the 2027 World Cup?
Rumors swirled about a potential full retirement from international cricket after the Champions Trophy. The fear among fans was palpable: what if India’s most reliable batting duo walked away just as they did post the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados?
Fortunately, both players have allayed those concerns—for now.
At a media event, Kohli hinted that he’s eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup as his “next big step.” In a short video clip that quickly went viral, he said, “Maybe try to win the next World Cup 2027.” This simple declaration gave Indian fans hope that the superstar isn’t done just yet.
Rohit, on the other hand, has been more guarded. Speaking to journalist Vimal Kumar on YouTube, the Indian skipper revealed a mix of aspiration and realism. “It would be great if I could be there and try to avenge the 2023 loss,” he said, referring to India’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat. Yet, he tempered expectations, citing form, fitness, and selection dynamics. “These things are not in my control. Who wouldn’t want to play? But there’s a lot that goes into it.”
Shifting Sands in Indian Cricket
The retirement of two giants from Test cricket is more than a personnel change—it reflects a larger cultural and generational shift. The vacuum left by Kohli and Rohit in the red-ball squad will likely be filled by names like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan—promising talents with the potential to script their own legacies.
However, in the limited-overs setup, India still leans on the experience and composure that Rohit and Kohli bring, especially in high-pressure scenarios. Their presence ensures a degree of stability and mentorship crucial for grooming young talents.
ODI Mastery: By the Numbers
Both Kohli and Rohit boast legendary records in the ODI format:
Virat Kohli holds 50 ODI centuries and averages over 57—unmatched consistency across more than a decade.
Rohit Sharma has three double-hundreds in ODIs—a feat no other player has matched. His flair and timing at the top order make him a unique threat.
A 2024 ESPNcricinfo analysis showed that India wins 72% of ODIs when both Kohli and Rohit score 40+—a telling stat that underscores their impact.
The Road to 2027: What Lies Ahead?
The journey to the 2027 World Cup will test more than just skill—it will test commitment, longevity, and adaptability. By then, Kohli will be 38 and Rohit 40, making them outliers in an increasingly youth-driven game. But history offers examples of age-defying excellence—Misbah-ul-Haq, Chris Gayle, and Sachin Tendulkar each contributed significantly to their final World Cup appearances.
Much will depend on how the BCCI and team management balance the squad’s evolution with the need for experienced campaigners. If India continues to rely on senior players in high-stakes ODIs, both Rohit and Kohli could very well be donning the blue jersey in South Africa.
What Fans Can Expect
For now, Indian cricket fans must wait until August 2025, when the team is tentatively scheduled to tour Bangladesh. If the tour is canceled, the next opportunity to see the iconic duo will likely be in October against Australia. Until then, the IPL and domestic fixtures will keep the conversation alive.
The road ahead promises thrill, speculation, and perhaps a final flourish from two of the greatest ODI players of this generation.
A Glorious Swan Song or One Last Dance?
Kohli and Rohit’s transition out of Test cricket is not an exit—it’s a refocus. As they focus solely on ODIs, their presence looms large over India’s white-ball ambitions. While time isn’t on their side, motivation and legacy certainly are.
If fitness and form hold, and if selectors maintain faith, Indian fans could witness a fairytale ending—two legends walking out side-by-side, chasing one final glory in the 2027 World Cup.
And wouldn’t that be a story worth telling?
(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information. Scheduling and player participation may change based on official announcements by the BCCI or ICC.)