As the cricket world casts its eye towards the future, questions loom over the participation of India’s finest batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, in the 2027 World Cup. The two maestros have been central figures in Indian cricket for nearly a decade and a half, creating lasting legacies with outstanding performances that have captivated audiences worldwide. Sharma, revered as one of the greatest opening batters, and Kohli, often hailed among the best to have played the game, have adorned India’s batting lineup with remarkable consistency and flair.
Throughout their illustrious careers, Sharma and Kohli have featured prominently for India in several World Cup campaigns. Their most recent foray was during the ODI World Cup 2023, an event where India nearly grasped victory but stumbled at the final hurdle. While Kohli has savored the taste of World Cup triumph in 2011, Sharma’s quest for the coveted title brought him painfully close in 2023, a year where India’s performance was near flawless up until the final.
That fateful day at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is etched in the memory of fans when Australia thwarted India’s hopes on November 19. Leading up to the final, India had notched up a perfect record, clinching ten consecutive wins—a streak that has become the nation’s longest in any single World Cup edition.
With the dust settling from the heartbreak of 2023, Indian cricket now turns its gaze to upcoming challenges, namely the T20 World Cup slated for 2024 in the USA and West Indies, as well as the next ODI World Cup. Time, however, does not stand still, and both Sharma (36) and Kohli (35 since November) find themselves approaching the crossroads of their careers. Speculations suggest that the selectors are poised to discuss Sharma’s future in white-ball cricket as pivotal decisions await.
Seeking insight into public sentiment, India TV ran a poll querying readers about their views on whether Sharma and Kohli would be donning the blue jersey for the 2027 World Cup. The question “Do you think Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will not play in World Cup 2027?” garnered extensive participation. Of the 8,591 voters, a slight majority of 51% expressed the belief that both players would not be participating, 39% remained optimistic, and the remaining 10% found themselves unable to decide.
This split in opinion among cricket enthusiasts highlights the varied perspectives on the longevity and future contributions of these two cricketing giants. The discussion reaches beyond mere statistics, delving into the realms of fitness, form, and the ever-evolving nature of the sport. As time marches on, it holds the ultimate truth about the careers of Sharma and Kohli, leaving fans and pundits alike to eagerly wait and speculate.
As the debate rages on about their participation in World Cup 2027, one thing remains certain: the remarkable journey these two players have undertaken has not only shaped their own legacies but has also indelibly marked the narrative of Indian cricket. Whatever the future holds, the impact of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on the world of cricket and the hearts of Indian fans is unassailable and enduring.