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, ex-India pacer Munaf Patel has thrown his weight behind Kohli and Rohit, urging the team management not to treat the veteran batters in the same way certain other former players were dealt with.
"In the format that they are still playing, you cannot drop them. Remember this. Those who are the main guys for you, and such big legends, because they are performing even today and proving, don't do what you did with others to them. You have let many go and sent them home. Let them go by their own happiness and with a trophy. After winning the trophy, they will leave themselves. They also know they will not play the next World Cup, no matter how fit they stay," Patel said during a conversation with senior sports journalist Vimal Kumar.
Patel emphasized that India's chances of winning the upcoming ODI World Cup are heavily dependent on Kohli and Rohit. He also cited their massive records and the lack of prepared replacements with only months remaining before the global showpiece.
"You cannot win the World Cup without them. If you want to win the 2027 World Cup, it cannot happen without them. Look at their records of the last ten years. 55 hundreds in the same format. Rohit has 33-34 hundreds. Bowlers are scared to bowl, to be honest. Even today, people have a misconception that Rohit and Virat are finished. Talent can never be finished. These are talented guys. How will you win without them? The others are still getting ready. There is no one today who can take their place at the moment. There are just eight months for 2027. How much time is even left?" he remarked.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be next in action during the three-match ODI series against England, starting July 14 at Edgbaston.
