Indian cricket fans continue to debate whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will feature in the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The two modern-day legends have already stepped away from T20Is after guiding India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and later retired from Test cricket in May 2024. While they remain available for ODIs, speculation is growing that selectors might look beyond them when picking the squad for the 2027 mega event.
India’s immediate focus, however, is the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19. In the lead-up to the series, Kohli has already begun intense preparations.
According to a RevSportz report, the star batter had a two-hour indoor net session at Lord’s in London, where he worked rigorously against both pace and spin. Witnesses described Kohli’s training as a mix of concentration and intensity, with the former India captain fine-tuning strokes across the ground, showcasing his trademark hunger for excellence.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra Names Strong India Unselected XI For Asia Cup 2025 After Selection Snub
Meanwhile, discussions around a potential farewell series for Kohli and Rohit have gained traction among fans, drawing parallels with Sachin Tendulkar’s emotional farewell against the West Indies in 2013. However, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla brushed aside such talk.
Virat Kohli Clicked With Fans During Practice Session At Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.📸🖤
.
.
.#ViratKohli #London @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/SECwyzSb4K— virat_kohli_18_club (@KohliSensation) August 23, 2025
“When did they retire? Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still playing ODIs. Why worry about farewells when they are active?” Shukla said during a podcast at the UPT20. He further clarified that the BCCI never asks players to retire. “It’s a personal decision. Virat is extremely fit, and Rohit has been in top form. There is no need to overthink.”
ALSO READ: Rinku Singh Opens Up On Asia Cup 2025 Selection After Stunning T20 Century
For now, the duo’s ODI careers remain alive and kicking, and their performances in the coming months could determine whether the selectors see them as part of India’s long-term World Cup plans.
