Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future sealed for ICC ODI World Cup 2027

Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu recently opened up about senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing for Team India in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Rayudu also said that Rohit and Virat will be crucial for India's chances to secure the marquee tournament despite retiring from T20Is and Test cricket.

There were reports that Rohit and Virat could end their ODI careers during India’s upcoming tour of Australia in October. The reports also added that the BCCI insists on domestic appearances for continued selection, and the senior batters might retire from international cricket entirely within the year.

Rohit Sharma Should Remain Captain - Ambati Rayudu on 2027 ODI World Cup

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Ambati Rayudu said that winning the ICC trophy should be India’s top priority. He added that Rohit Sharma can continue as a captain and batter, and no player is ready to take his place at the moment.

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“You need Rohit Sharma to lead. Looking ahead, the goal is to win the World Cup. What happens two years later, who becomes what, nobody knows. Nothing is certain. The only thing that matters is, at that time, especially in ICC tournaments, who can win for India? Who can win for the country?”

“If Rohit Sharma, as captain, can win it for us, then Rohit should remain captain. If Rohit makes up his mind, maintains his fitness, and wants to play, then tell me one single person today who can replace him in ODI cricket. What he brings to the table is enormous. Rohit has to play,” Rayudu said.

There Is No One Better Than Virat Kohli in This Format - Ambati Rayudu

During the same video, Ambati Rayudu said that Virat Kohli is also important to India’s 2027 World Cup plans. He added that Kohli has the ability to control the innings and adjust to different situations, which makes him irreplaceable in ODI cricket.

“100%, in my opinion, he (Kohli) should play. Because at number three, to control the middle order, Virat is very important. ODI is a different format, it’s not just about hitting. You have to play the long format and also the short format within it. When it comes to balance, there is no one better than Virat in that format.”

Questions Remain About the Future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Questions remain about the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit and Kohli will turn 40 and 39, respectively, when the next World Cup is held. Age and fitness are not their only concerns, as playing only one international format makes it harder to maintain form.

The Men in Blue last played an ODI on March 9 in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, where Rohit captained India to victory in Dubai. Their next ODI assignment will be a three-match series in Australia between October 19 and 25.

Rohit has scored 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an average of 48.76, including 32 centuries and 58 fifties. Kohli has featured in 302 ODIs, amassing 14,181 runs at 57.88, with 51 centuries and 74 half-centuries.

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