Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's participation in the 2027 World Cup remains uncertain, despite being key in ODI cricket.

Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket within a gap of five days in May last year. Having retired from T20Is in 2024, the seasoned campaigners are now focusing solely on the ODI format.

However, with fewer ODIs being scheduled these days, questions remain over the ageing duo's participation in next year’s quadrennial event.

Furthermore, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar have not given a firm commitment, keeping the decision on their involvement for the World Cup coy.

Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has backed Kohli and Rohit to play in the global showpiece, highlighting their experience.

While supporting the senior duo, Yuvraj emphasized that selectors and coaches must provide enough playing opportunities to youngsters, citing the need to groom talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been benched despite strong performances.

“The players who are at the end of their careers, giving clarity is very important. The captain, coach, and selectors should sit with the guys and explain how they are looking at things. The conversation might not go well, but at least you tried on your end. Look at Yashasvi Jaiswal; he scored a century in his last ODI, but he is sitting out. When will you groom Jaiswal? You have the World Cup next year,” Yuvraj told Sports Tak.

“If you are going to the World Cup, you should have played several games. I am not saying you should drop someone. But if you're playing the 2027 ODI World Cup, you need to start preparing your squad now. You need to give them many games. Take a decision, it shouldn't happen at the last minute that one of your senior players gets injured and there's no young player,” he added.

Yuvraj acknowledged the stellar performances of Kohli and Rohit in recent ODI series. He also urged the authorities to have honest conversations with the veteran batters, aiming to prevent bad blood and ensure clarity.

“Virat Kohli has had a superb series. Rohit has been performing consistently. If a situation comes up in the next 1.5 years, it shouldn't be that your second line isn't ready. Now, ODI cricket isn't played as much. Whoever you want to play, make sure you give them enough time,” Yuvraj stated.

“Senior players are important. I don't know what is going on in Rohit and Virat's minds. It looks like they're thinking of the World Cup. But I think that's the call they and the selectors need to take. There has to be clarity. You should be able to sit in a room and discuss things. It's tough. If someone tells you they are looking ahead, you won't be able to take it, but one year down the line, you'd appreciate that someone gave you clarity,” he remarked.