Rohit Sharma‘s international career maybe just one ODI away from coming to an end but the same isn’t applicable for Virat Kohli. Frustrated with his form along with the age factor, the selectors reportedly informed the Hitman that he is no longer in their scheme of things for ODIs in the future. However, Kohli – who has been consistent over the past one year in the only format he is active in – is reportedly an automatic pick for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Gambhir, selectors pick Virat Kohli as starter for 2027 World Cup
As per news agency PTI, India cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have agreed that Virat Kohli will be a automatic pick in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The report states that the team management has no issues with the former Indian captain’s form or fitness. Kohli has been narrowed down as a starter for the marquee tournament.
Kohli is India’s second highest run-getter in ODIs since the start of 2025 and has been in quite some form. Since last year, he has scored 961 runs in 18 ODIs, averaging over 60 in the only format that he is active in. The former Indian captain missed the previous series against Afghanistan due to an injury but received a green light from the BCCI just before the series against England.
While he scored just 5 runs in the ENG vs IND 1st ODI, he returned to his old ways in the 2nd, playing a 65-run knock off 66 deliveries. He also became India’s leading run-scorer (across formats) in England, overtaking Rahul Dravid after his top-scoring knock in Cardiff.
Last year, chief selecctor Ajit Agarkar had claimed that Rohit and Virat were non-committed to playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. While the Hitman has failed to be consistent with the bat, Kohli has done the exact opposite and has proved that he is not ony fit but is capable of delivering with the bat. Meanwhile, the selectors have informed Rohit that they intend to move on from him from the next ODI series, with Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to take his place as the opener.
“Selectors have informed Rohit he is not in their scheme of things post the England tour and they are moving on from him after this series. Though he wanted to continue, especially after working on his fitness. The selectors have left the ball in Sharma’s court to decide his future,” a source from BCCI said.
Cricket
Unlike Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli is automatic pick for 2027 World Cup, Gambhir & Agarkar on same page
