With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching fast, discussions surrounding the future of Indian icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have gained momentum. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, both players now only focus primarily on the ODI format, hoping to represent India at the global event. Lately, there have been reports insinuating that the Indian selectors could begin exploring long-term alternatives in a bid to build a strong squad for the World Cup.
Interestingly, neither Rohit nor Kohli has shown signs of retiring from ODI cricket. A few days ago, Rohit Sharma's performances during the ODI series against England showed the experience he carries. After a quiet start to the series, Rohit bounced back with a magnificent century in the final ODI at Lord's.
Virat Kohli was also in outstanding form, registering two half-centuries, providing stability to India's batting line-up. Meanwhile, former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes that while both veterans remain valuable assets, they can no longer afford slow starts to a series.
“That has to be a conversation with everyone, not just them (Kohli and Rohit), that they have to start the series well and hit the ground running. That is a challenge. You can’t take one or two games to get into the groove. But that’s where the support staff comes in and has conversations with the players by creating an environment to get the best out of everyone," Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
“There is no conversation needed with them about their places in the team. Four years back, it wasn’t like they had to be reminded before every series that they would be in the team. They knew they would be in the team based on their performances. So how does that change now? It does not and should not change,” he added.
Notably, ahead of the Lord’s ODI against England, there were reports swirling around that selectors were mulling looking beyond Rohit Sharma for the 2027 World Cup, with Yashasvi Jaiswal being considered as a suitable replacement.