‘They should continue only if...’: Sourav Ganguly ignites Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's ODI retirement speculation

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has opened up about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s participation in the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The former BCCI president stated that Rohit and Virat should continue playing ODIs as long as they deliver impressive performances.

Rohit and Virat retired from T20 Internationals after India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. They also recently ended their Test careers before India’s five-match series against England. The veteran batting duo last played an international match in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.

Sourav Ganguly Opens Up on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Participation in ODI World Cup 2027

There are rumors that the upcoming ODI series in Australia might be the final one for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Sourav Ganguly said that he had no knowledge of such plans and could not comment.

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However, Ganguly added that continued selection should be based on performance, noting that both players have exceptional records in limited-overs cricket. He said they should keep playing as long as they perform well.

“I’m not aware of this, can’t comment on this," Sourav Ganguly remarked when asked about the speculation.

“It’s difficult to say. Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue. Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit Sharma’s. Both of them are phenomenal in white-ball cricket," he added.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Face the Challenge of Maintaining Fitness and Form

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will face the challenge of maintaining fitness and form. India will play their next ODI series against Australia, scheduled from October 19, with matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney. They will play another three-match ODI home series against South Africa in December.

The upcoming white-ball tour in Australia is especially important as it marks India’s return to 50-over cricket after a long break. They will begin their preparation for the 2027 World Cup with this series.

The 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy will take place during the December-January period. It will coincide with India’s home season featuring ODIs against South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.

Sourav Ganguly Confident of India’s Chances at Upcoming T20 Asia Cup in Dubai

Sourav Ganguly is confident in India’s chances at the upcoming T20 Asia Cup in Dubai, which begins on September 9. He added that the team will have a break following a five-match Test series in England.

Ganguly believes India will be the favorites and that defeating them on the favorable Dubai pitches will be a significant challenge for other teams.

“They are in the middle of a break. After the IPL, they played five Tests and now they will play the Asia Cup from September 9."

“India are very strong, and if they are strong in red-ball cricket, they are even stronger in white-ball cricket. So, in my opinion, India are favourites, and beating them on those good Dubai wickets will be very tough."

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