Rohit's 2027 World Cup Chances in Doubt, Virat Firmly in India's Roadmap

With the 2027 One Day International (ODI) World Cup still more than a year away, discussions surrounding the future of India's senior stars have already begun to dominate cricketing conversations. Among the biggest talking points is whether Captain Rohit Sharma will remain a part of India's plans for the big event, especially as questions around age, fitness and long-term squad planning continue to surface.

Sports journalist Vikrant Gupta recently shared a strong assessment of Rohit's World Cup prospects, suggesting that the veteran opener is unlikely to make it to the 2027 tournament.

"I feel Rohit will not play the 2027 World Cup. If somehow he scores three-four centuries against Afghanistan and England, then it could be a different story, but right now, that doesn't look likely at all," Gupta said.

According to Gupta, the concern is not Rohit's ability with the bat but his physical condition. The Indian skipper has continued to deliver impactful performances in white-ball cricket, but fitness remains a recurring discussion whenever his future is brought up.

"The issue with Rohit is not form, it's his fitness. At this age, injuries never fully heal, and it tends to return again and again. If Rohit suffers another hamstring injury just before the World Cup, then India won't be able to do anything about it," he added.

Gupta further suggested that India's decision-makers are likely taking a practical approach while looking ahead to the next World Cup cycle.

"I think Gautam Gambhir (head coach-India men’s cricket team) and Ajit Agarkar (chief selector) understand this very well, and that's why they will not include Rohit in the ODI World Cup squad," he stated.

While Gupta's remarks have generated significant discussion among fans, journalist Rahul Rawat offered additional insight into how the selectors may currently be viewing India's senior batters.

According to Rawat, Virat Kohli continues to be a key figure in India's long-term ODI plans and enjoys a different standing within the setup.

"Virat Kohli has been conveyed by the selectors directly that he is an integral part of ODI World Cup 2027 plans," Rawat claimed.

He further argued that the standards being applied to Rohit and Kohli are not identical, owing to differences in age, fitness profile and current circumstances.

"The criteria are different for Rohit Sharma because of his age, form and fitness. Rohit Sharma is playing the Afghanistan series because he still has to prove himself and his spot is not completely secure, whereas Virat has nothing left to prove and he is confirmed for the 2027 World Cup," Rawat said.

The contrasting assessments have reignited debate over India's roadmap towards the next ODI World Cup. Rohit and Kohli have been the heart of India's batting lineup for over a decade, playing pivotal roles in major ICC tournaments and Bilateral Series.

However, with the next World Cup approaching and a new generation of players pushing for opportunities, selectors will inevitably have to balance experience with long-term planning.

At present, there has been no official confirmation from the BCCI regarding the World Cup futures of either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. Nevertheless, the comments from Gupta and Rawat have added fuel to an already growing conversation about how India's ODI squad could shape up over the next year.

For now, Rohit's performances and fitness levels in upcoming assignments are likely to remain under close scrutiny, while Kohli's place in India's plans appears significantly more secure—at least according to the claims made by those tracking developments around the team.

This article is written by Divya Sharma, a student of Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, interning with Deccan Chronicle.