Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are under pressure as questions continue to arise over their long-term roles in the one-day format. With both of them having opted out of Tests and T20Is, their performances in the upcoming matches could play a major role in shaping India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
South Africa defeated India in the two-match Test series before the ODI matches begin in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The home side will be hoping to bounce back, and Rohit and Virat will be crucial in the limited-overs matches, especially given their reputations as two of the best white-ball players of their time.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were last seen in action in Australia
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be looking to make a strong impact in the ODI series against South Africa. India lost 1-2 in the recent ODI series in Australia where Rohit scored over 200 runs including a brilliant unbeaten century in the last match.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli had a tough start with two ducks but bounced back well by scoring an unbeaten 74 in the last game. The duo also added an unbeaten partnership of 168 runs in the third ODI where India secured victory.
Before that series, there was a lot of talk about their future in ODI cricket. Only playing this format and in their late 30s, many wondered whether they would stay motivated. Some even thought they would retire after the Australian tour.
However, their performances silenced those rumors. Rohit looked fit and confident, while Kohli found form just when he needed it. As India prepares to face South Africa, both players will be hoping to continue scoring runs and help the team win.
Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir remain non-committal on the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
According to The Times of India, the challenges for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not limited to form or fitness. The two senior batsmen will also have to block speculations, constantly answer questions from the selection committee and ensure they maintain the confidence of the coaching staff and the BCCI.
The report added that it is surprising that players of their stature even have to worry about such matters considering how dominant they have been in ODIs for over a decade. However, the uncertainty about their future has made them more cautious.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have been repeatedly asked about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during press conferences, but neither has offered a clear guarantee. Their consistent answer has been that the 2027 ODI World Cup is still over two years away.
There could be younger players who take the spot – Ajit Agarkar
At the NDTV World Summit 2025, Ajit Agarkar said that while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently part of the squad and remain excellent players, it is too early to make any promises about their place in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Agarkar stated that the team must remain open to younger options that may emerge in the next two years. He added that decisions won’t be based solely on big scores or individual milestones. The former cricketer said the focus will be on what helps India win major tournaments.
“They are currently part of the squad in Australia. They are incredible players but it is not the forum to moan about individual players. In two years’ time, it is difficult to say what the situation will be like. Who knows, there may be younger players who will take the place,” Agarkar had said at the NDTV World Summit 2025.
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