Table of Contents
- Shastri Raises Doubts on Kohli & Sharma’s 2027 WC Chances
- Why the Australia Series Is a Make-or-Break Moment
- Fitness, Form, and Hunger: The Three Non-Negotiables
- Fan Reactions Pour In
- Sources
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future in Jeopardy
In a candid revelation that’s sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has cast serious doubt over whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will feature in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
Speaking ahead of India’s high-stakes ODI series against Australia, Shastri emphasized that despite their legendary status, there are “no certainties” when it comes to selection—especially for players in their mid-to-late 30s.
“It’s not about legacy. It’s about what you can deliver now,” Shastri said, underlining that age alone won’t dictate their fate—but current performance will.
Why the Australia Series Is a Make-or-Break Moment
The upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia isn’t just another bilateral contest. For Kohli (36) and Sharma (38), it could be their final audition for a place in India’s long-term ODI plans.
With selectors reportedly keen to transition toward a younger core—featuring the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rajat Patidar—the pressure is mounting on the veteran duo to prove they still have the reflexes, stamina, and hunger required at the highest level.
Fitness, Form, and Hunger: The Three Non-Negotiables
Shastri didn’t mince words when listing the criteria that will determine Kohli and Sharma’s ODI futures:
- Fitness: Can they sustain fielding intensity and batting through 50 overs consistently?
- Form: Are they converting starts into match-defining scores?
- Hunger: Do they still train and compete like they have everything to prove?
“You can’t rest on past glory in modern cricket,” Shastri added. “The game moves fast. If you’re not moving with it, you get left behind.”
Recent ODI Stats (Last 12 Months)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Avg | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 14 | 582 | 41.57 | 89.3 |
| Rohit Sharma | 13 | 412 | 31.69 | 85.1 |
Fan Reactions Pour In
Cricket fans across social media are divided. While some argue that experience is irreplaceable in World Cup pressure-cooker scenarios, others believe it’s time to pass the baton.
“Kohli’s last century was in 2023. That’s a red flag,” tweeted one analyst. Another fan countered: “When the lights are brightest, they’ve always shown up. Don’t write them off yet.”