India’s 2011 World Cup triumph is a distant memory, and with the 2027 edition set for November in South Africa, questions are growing louder: will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still be around to guide India? At that point, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 38, leaving fans and selectors debating whether age and workload could finally catch up with two of the game’s greatest icons.

Selection Room Buzz: Insider Reveals Early Talks

A source close to the Indian cricket camp, speaking to PTI, confirmed that the selectors will soon discuss the possibility of moving beyond the legends:

“Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup (November 2027). Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so there has to be a clear plan ahead for the big event as our last win was in 2011. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time.”

This candid admission highlights India’s delicate balancing act, whether to back proven match‑winners or build a younger squad for the future.

Also read : “Bumrah vs Siraj” Who Deserves India’s Pace Crown?

Gavaskar: Runs Will Keep Them Alive

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar insisted that only form will keep the veterans in the squad:

“I don’t think they will be playing… unless they hit a rich vein of form, scoring hundreds consistently, even God can’t drop them.”

For Gavaskar, sentiment cannot override statistics. Kohli and Rohit must continue to deliver at the highest level to justify their selection.


Ganguly Warns of Fitness Hurdles

Former captain Sourav Ganguly issued a word of caution, pointing to the toll age takes:

“It won’t be easy for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to remain fit and find a place in India’s squad in 2027… By then, Kohli will be 38, Rohit 40.”

With fewer ODIs scheduled before the tournament, Ganguly believes fitness and match sharpness could be real challenges.


Also read : Ganguly admits it won’t be easy for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play 2027 ODI World Cup

Wassan Flags Limited Opportunities

Ex‑India pacer Atul Wassan noted that India’s ODI schedule, just about 15 matches per year, could limit preparation:

“It’s extremely tough for Rohit and Virat to sustain fitness levels playing only IPL for two months a year… limited ODIs add to the challenge.”

He stressed the need for India to blood youngsters against weaker opposition while keeping the veterans fresh for marquee games.


Gambhir’s Open Door Policy

New India coach Gautam Gambhir adopted a pragmatic stance, leaving the door open:

“If you’re performing, age is just a number. Our immediate focus is the 2026 T20 World Cup, but doors will always remain open for Rohit and Virat.”

His words give hope to fans that runs, not birthdays, will decide the future of the star duo.



Rajkumar Sharma: Kohli Will Lead Again

Adding optimism, Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma expressed strong faith:

“He will be there to lead India to victory in the 2027 ODI World Cup.”

Such belief underscores the confidence Kohli still commands among those who know him best.


The Road Ahead

As India builds toward 2027, three factors stand out:

Performance: Consistent runs from Rohit and Kohli will silence critics.

Fitness: Maintaining peak physical shape will be the biggest challenge.

Transition: Youngsters must be tested early to ensure a smooth handover.


For now, the debate rages on, but the PTI insider’s words confirm that selectors are already weighing the future of two modern greats.