Retirement talks surrounding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have intensified once again ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, especially after growing reports suggested that the BCCI has already started planning for the future.
However, former India wicketkeeper and ex-BCCI chief selector Kiran More has now provided a massive boost to both batting legends by publicly backing them to continue in ODI cricket.
Kiran More comments on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI future
Speaking to ANI, former India selector Kiran More strongly backed both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue playing ODI cricket despite the constant retirement chatter around the senior stars.
More made it clear that players of their quality should not be pushed aside simply because of age, especially when they are still delivering consistently at the highest level.
"These two are legends and it is enjoyable seeing them both play. There should not be any talks about retiring them. They should play as long as they do well and are fit. As long as their legs are running and their bats are scoring runs, they should play. I enjoy watching these two play. There is a lot of fans who love these two special players. When Sachin retired, I had tears in my eyes. When these two will go, they will be missed a lot too. When that time will come, they will decide," he said.
His comments come at a time when retirement speculation has intensified around both players. Rohit, in particular, has found himself under heavy scrutiny because of recurring injury concerns and workload management discussions.
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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma no longer seen as the same by the BCCI
Even though both players remain central figures in Indian cricket, recent reports suggest that the BCCI no longer views Kohli and Rohit in the same category regarding future planning.
According to a report by The Times of India, the BCCI remains confident about Virat Kohli’s ODI future but has growing concerns surrounding Rohit Sharma’s long-term fitness ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The report claimed that the selectors are worried whether Rohit will physically be able to maintain peak fitness levels for another major ICC cycle. Even though Rohit has been picked for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, his participation remains subject to strict fitness clearance.
Virat Kohli’s situation, however, appears very different. The former India captain continues to maintain elite fitness standards and remains one of the most consistent ODI batters in world cricket. His workload management has also looked significantly smoother compared to Rohit's over the last few years.
As a result, the BCCI reportedly sees Virat as a safer long-term option heading toward the 2027 World Cup, while Rohit’s future may depend heavily on his fitness management over the next year.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - Absolute GOATs of ODIs
Regardless of the retirement discussions, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to stand among the greatest ODI batters in cricket history.
Virat Kohli’s numbers remain almost untouchable in the modern era. Since making his ODI debut in 2008, Kohli has played 311 matches and scored a staggering 14,797 runs at an incredible average of 58.71 and a strike rate of 93.82. The former India captain has smashed 54 centuries and 77 fifties in ODI cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI numbers are equally extraordinary. Since debuting in 2007, Rohit has played 282 ODIs and scored 11,577 runs at an average of 48.84 and a strike rate of 92.74. He has registered 33 centuries and 61 half-centuries in the format.
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