Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already called it a day in both the T20 and Test formats, as the duo are expected to focus solely on the ODI format.
The two Indian stalwarts retired from the shortest format post their T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados in 2024. In an unexpected turn of events, both the modern-day greats of Indian cricket decided to step away from the red-ball format within a span of a week, just before the all-important Test series vs. England.
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Both Kohli and Rohit have expressed their interest in continuing till the 50-over World Cup in 2027, after a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 finals ended their hopes of lifting the trophy.
With the all-important white-ball tournament just two years away, it will be interesting to see if Kohli and Rohit can keep up their fitness levels required to dominate the competition. However, Sourav Ganguly feels that India might have to do without the services of their two superstars in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
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Ganguly warns Kohli and Rohit may miss 2027 World Cup
The former BCCI President feels that Kohli and Rohit may miss the 2027 ODI World Cup due to increasing age and fitness concerns. Ganguly said that playing fifteen games a year is no joke, but the two players are experienced enough to take a call that will benefit everyone.
Speaking to Press Trust of India (PTI), Ganguly said, "It won't be easy. 15 games a year. I've got no advice. I think they know the game as much as I do. And they will take a call. But all of us must understand that just like everyone, the game will go away from them and they will go away from the game."
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By the time the next ODI World Cup commences, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli will be 39, which makes it more difficult for the duo to perform at the highest levels. However, with no T20 and Tests lined up, both the players can fully focus on one format only, which will make it easier for them to prepare themselves accordingly and to their full potential.
The duo will have to feature in at least 27 ODIs leading up to the all-important white-ball event, which can serve as the ideal preparation required to perform at their best and bow out of the game in a legendary style.
The Indian superstar duo are expected to feature in the upcoming ODI series against subcontinent neighbors Bangladesh, starting on August 17.