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.

Speaking to ANI, former India spinner Maninder Singh weighed in on Kohli and Rohit’s prospects for the 2027 World Cup.

While Maninder expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to maintain fitness and performance, he was little apprehensive about Rohit’s inconsistent form.

"As far as Virat Kohli is concerned, his fitness level is very high. And Rohit is also working in that direction. But there's still time for the World Cup and we wonder if they will be able to catch form by then, maintain form until then, and this is a matter of worry. I am not so worried about Virat Kohli because he works so much on his fitness. There is a bit of worry sometimes for Rohit because his performance goes up and down. So worries will be there because there is time for the World Cup," Maninder said.

Both Kohli and Rohit have expressed their desire to play the World Cup in South Africa, where they will be 39 and 40 years old respectively.

Despite the concerns regarding their age, Maninder Singh stated that both are "champions" with the mental toughness to deliver when it matters most.

"They are champions and you become that only when you are mentally strong. Mental strength is very important in international cricket. Let's see how they perform in the coming time. Let us hope they perform well because they are both such match-winners and impact players, that, when they get going, they win matches for their team," Maninder remarked.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be next in action during the three-match ODI series against England, starting July 14 at Edgbaston.