Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s place in India’s plans for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 continues to attract significant attention. With around 20 ODIs still scheduled before the tournament, the Indian team has valuable time to assess players, combinations and the balance of the squad. The discussion gained further attention during the second ODI between India and West Indies in Guwahati on September 30, when former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel was seen having a lengthy conversation with Rohit Sharma before the match.

Patel is reportedly among the names being considered for the role of India’s next chief selector. His interaction with Rohit naturally generated interest, particularly with the future of both Rohit and Kohli in ODI cricket remaining a talking point. During the Guwahati ODI, Patel and former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also discussed India’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup on Star Sports. Patel highlighted the number of ODIs India still has available to assess their options before the global tournament.

India’s schedule includes a five-match ODI series in New Zealand after the West Indies assignment. They are also scheduled to face Sri Lanka at home before playing three ODIs against Zimbabwe in 2027. These matches will give the team management opportunities to experiment with different combinations while also assessing the readiness of younger players.

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When the discussion turned towards India’s ideal batting combination, Pathan stressed the importance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, particularly because of the experience they bring to the team. “This is very important. Because in terms of the World Cup, these two players (Ro-Ko) are very important, very crucial.”

Pathan also pointed towards India’s efforts to build squad depth, mentioning the opportunities given to players such as Naman Dhir and Auqib Nabi. “They have given a chance to Naman Dhir; they have given a chance to Auqib Nabi. In addition, they have looked at different players.”

According to Pathan, the situation surrounding Kohli and Rohit could depend heavily on their fitness, form and continued performances. If both senior batters remain available and maintain their standards, he believes their experience would remain valuable to India.

“But if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli keep doing their work, they will maintain their fitness. They will have their form; if they keep playing, then there is no question about that. They bring that much experience. So, the Indian team does not need to think much in terms of batting.”

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Pathan went on to identify Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as his preferred top three for India’s batting order at the 2027 World Cup. “Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma are the top three batters.”

The discussion comes as India continue to use bilateral ODIs to assess their squad ahead of the World Cup. With several matches still remaining before the tournament, the team has opportunities to evaluate younger players while managing the roles of its experienced campaigners. India’s eight-wicket victory over West Indies in Guwahati gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, but the broader focus remains on building a balanced squad for the 2027 World Cup.