One of the most asked and speculated questions involving the Indian cricket team lately has been the availability and future of two of the team's greatest cricketing icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
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The duo has been picked for the ODI series against Australia starting in October 19, but doubts around their future two years later for the 2027 ODI World Cup still loom.
Indian skipper Shubman Gill has now opened up about the duo's chances of featuring in the world event in South Africa.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are 'definitely in the mix' for the 2027 World Cup: Shubman Gill
Kohli and Rohit have already retired from T20I and Test cricket. They retired from the shortest format after India's World Cup triumph in 2024 and left red-ball cricket earlier this year.
Therefore, they will only feature in the 50-over format before they make the call to end their international careers.
They last played for India in ODIs at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in March 2025. Kohli ended the tournament as India's second-highest run-getter. At the same time, Rohit played an equally crucial role and also grabbed the 'Player of the Match' award in the Finals against New Zealand.
As per a few reports, it was earlier understood that the Team management is planning to look beyond the star cricketers. However, the India skipper, Shubman Gill, has now opened up on the matter, stating that both experienced cricketers are well and truly in the plans for the World Cup.
In a press conference ahead of the second Test between India and the West Indies, Gill said, "The experience that they have and the matches they have won for India is really valuable. Very few players provide this skill and experience. They are definitely in the mix."
Both Virat and Rohit have been stalwarts of Indian cricket. They are arguably the greatest 50-over batters for India to date and carry years and years of experience under their belt.
Q. Are you looking at Rohit and Kohli for the 2027 World Cup?
— Kanav Bali (@Concussion__Sub) October 9, 2025
Shubman: “The experience that they have and the matches they have won for India is really valuable. Very few players provide this skill and experience. They are definitely in the mix” pic.twitter.com/JojWNteZwd
The duo also played a crucial role in taking India to the Finals of the ODI World Cup in 2023. While the Men in Blue fell short in the final to Australia Kohli was adjudged as the 'player of the tournament'.
When will Kohli and Rohit play for India next?
Kohli and Rohit will finally return to International cricket this month. The duo will play in the three-match ODI series against the world champions, Australia, starting October 19. The first game will be played in Perth.
India vs Australia ODI series
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue |
| 1st ODI | October 19 | 09:00 AM | Perth |
| 2nd ODI | October 23 | 09:00 AM | Adelaide |
| 3rd ODI | October 25 | 09:00 AM | Sydney |
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