India cricket team chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma haven’t committed yet to play in the next ODI World Cup in 2027. The duo, who last featured in the Champions Trophy, have been included in the squad for the IND vs AUS series which will begin from October 19. Addressing speculations on the future of Ro-Ko, Agarkar said that the current team was picked only for the series in Australia and that it remains to be seen how they fare after a span of 8 months of no international cricket.
No Rohit-Kohli for 2027 World Cup?
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Agarkar informed the media that both Kohli and Rohit were non-committal at the moment about playing for India in the 2027 World Cup. The Hitman will be 40 years old at the time of the marquee event while Virat will be 38 years old. Given that the ODI is the only format that the duo are currently active in, it remains to be seen if they will be in the scheme of things of the selectors after the Australia series, especially since they are planning for the WC in advance.
“Both Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma are non committal about the 2027 World Cup,” Agarkar said.
Further, Agarkar stated that a message was already sent to both Rohit and Kohli that they should play domestic cricket when they are free. The next 50-over domestic tournament is the Vijay Hazare Trophy which will happen in December-January. Rohit and Kohli can feature in a part of the tournament if they opt to play in it.
“We have made it clear that if guys are free they should be playing domestic cricket,” Agarkar added.
However, Agarkar backed Ro-Ko to continue guiding the team, noting that they were still leaders in the dressing room.
“They have been doing for years, try and score runs. They are still leaders in the dressing room. The have been extremely successful in this format. This team has been picked for Australia, you don’t need to think too far,” Agarkar said.
