'Gambhir and Agarkar have made…' - Big revelation on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s chances for 2027 World Cup

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan opened up about veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Pathan said that it would be challenging for the batting duo to maintain fitness and form while playing only one international format.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to be seen in action next during the three-ODI series in Australia, starting October 19. It will be their first outing for India since the Champions Trophy final. With the next World Cup in 2027, there is speculation about whether Kohli and Rohit will be included in the squad.

Irfan Pathan Opens Up on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Chances for the 2027 ODI World Cup

Irfan Pathan said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are currently focusing on the IPL. He stated that the rise of T20 cricket has reduced opportunities in ODIs, adding that it will be crucial for them to get sufficient game time before the World Cup.

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"For Kohli and Rohit, the only challenge would be to play regular cricket. Otherwise, they are all outstanding. Talking about these professional cricketers, whose only focus is to play cricket for now, the biggest challenge for them would be playing regularly and staying fit," Pathan told RevSportz.

"Virat is going to play IPL only, and then whenever there is First-Class cricket, but just to play and not to prove anything. So, continuing the game time will not be an easy task."

"20 has taken over and one-dayers have taken a backseat, so number of matches has gotten changed in both. World Cup 2027 won’t be a challenge if continuity of the game time is handled. Unfortunately, there will be pressure on them," he added.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Are in Touch and Working on Fitness - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are committed to maintaining their fitness. Pathan noted that he spoke to Rohit, who is very keen about fitness, and Virat is very keen as well.

"Whereas Rohit Sharma, I've spoken to him and he's very keen about fitness. Then Virat, I am sure is very keen as well with the way he has been seen practising in England. The keenness is important from the player’s point of view, so this is a great thing about them – that they are in touch and working on their fitness as well," Pathan continued.

Rohit and Virat will be 40 and 39, respectively, when the World Cup takes place. Their involvement in the tournament remains uncertain, especially if they struggle to maintain form and fitness. Both have already retired from T20Is and Tests and now play only ODIs and the IPL.

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar Have Made Their Plans Clear - Irfan Pathan

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have begun their preparations, with Kohli practicing at Lord’s indoor nets and Rohit training in India under former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.

Irfan Pathan stated that head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar will make the final decision regarding their future, highlighting that clear communication and consistent game time will be key ahead of the World Cup.

"I really think that should be the case, and I hope that the communication has been very clear. Knowing Gautam (Gambhir) and Ajit (Agarkar), I think they have made it very clear in terms of communication," Pathan said."

"And as I said, having game time regularly will keep away all sorts of challenges. If you're talking about 2027, that challenge will be there because they're not playing for India currently. After, say, three games against Australia and IPL, if there is a big gap, then the continuity breaks."

India are scheduled to play at least 27 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, with extra fixtures to be added under the new Future Tours Programme (FTP). Regular participation in these matches will be crucial for Kohli and Rohit if they aim to feature in another ICC tournament for India.

Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar among 5 big names kicked out of India’s Asia Cup 2025 travelling squad