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Rohit Sharma has opened up about his conversations with Virat Kohli regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the former India captain revealing that the two do not need to discuss the importance of the tournament. Rohit explained that Kohli's experience of playing four previous 50-over World Cups means he already understands what will be required when the next edition arrives.
Speaking in an interview with JioStar, Rohit Sharma was asked whether he had discussed the 2027 World Cup with Virat Kohli. The veteran opener explained that their conversations are more focused on what they can do together on the field.
Virat Kohli books spot in India's 2027 squad, Rohit Sharma doubtful
Virat Kohli has strengthened his case for a place in India's 2027 World Cup squad with his recent ODI performances.
The former India captain has continued to produce match-winning contributions in the format and has shown that he remains an important part of India's plans in the 50-over game.
He has also reached another significant milestone in his ODI career, crossing 15,000 runs in the format during his century against West Indies. His consistency and experience make him a central figure in India's preparations for the 2027 tournament.
Rohit Sharma's own position is less certain. His form has gone through ups and downs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal remains an option waiting for an opportunity at the top of the order. The competition for places could become immense as India move closer to the World Cup.
Rohit Sharma opens up on 2027 World Cup talks with Virat Kohli
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma made it clear that he does not need to remind Kohli about the significance of a World Cup. Kohli has featured in India's 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cup campaigns, giving him more experience of the tournament than anyone else in the current Indian setup.
Explaining why the subject does not require a separate discussion between them, Rohit Sharma said:
"No, no [when asked whether he has had any conversatios with Virat Kohli regarding 2027 World Cup]. He has been playing for so many years. Whether it's the '27 World Cup or the '23 World Cup, there's no need to explain it to him. World Cup is World Cup. And I'm pretty sure that everyone who is going to be part of the team understands the importance of a World Cup."
"And specially Kohli. I mean, the one who has played the most World Cups, I think in this team, it's him. He will have, yes. In this team, yes. In this team. 50-over World Cup: he played 2011, '15, '19, '23. Four World Cups he has played. This will be the fifth. So obviously, he has played the most, so he knows the importance. He knows the importance of the World Cup. So, this discussion does not happen."
We have to win the World Cup - Rohit Sharma
Rohit also explained that his conversations with Kohli remain centred on the immediate requirements of the team. Rather than discussing the World Cup in isolation, the two continue to talk about batting situations, running between the wickets and how they can help each other during an innings. The former captain stressed that their shared objective has remained unchanged throughout their careers.
"The discussion is about what we can do. When we are batting together, we are discussing about whom to attack, whom to take a single off, what to do. Sometimes something happens in my leg, so I tell him, 'Brother, run carefully, I'm feeling something.'"
Rohit Sharma concluded by saying that their approach toward the team's goals remains the same despite the changes in their individual careers.
"It's been pretty fun. Nothing has changed from when we started to now. Obviously, we're different individuals in terms of how we carry ourselves on the field, but other than that, goal, thinking for the team is pretty much the same: that we have to win the match. We have to win the World Cup, we have to win the tournament, we have to win the series, we have to do well for the team."
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