The future of Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the One-Day International (ODI) format is under the scanner, with growing indications that the October series against Australia could be their farewell appearance in 50-over cricket.
Despite both being in solid form, reports suggest they are not in the plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. This has sparked speculation of a generational shift, with selectors looking to pave the way for younger talent.
Former BCCI selection committee member Devang Gandhi has openly backed the idea of transitioning away from the experienced duo, favouring opportunities for emerging stars such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan.
‘How will you make players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, among others, sit out when they have shown how well they can adapt? The bigger transition is from T20s to Tests. Once a player has done well in Test cricket and has the power game, ODIs should come easier to them. It is very important that the selectors and the team management sit together and take a call,’ Gandhi told The Times of India.
According to reports, if Kohli and Rohit wish to continue their ODI careers, they may have to prove their commitment by participating in domestic tournaments. However, even this might not guarantee selection, with Gandhi stressing the importance of grooming replacements well ahead of the World Cup.
‘If, say, in a year’s time, we come to a situation where one of them is not firing and we need a replacement, the team management may not have enough time to prepare a player for the job,’ Gandhi explained.
He further acknowledged their legendary contributions but emphasised that ‘time doesn’t wait for anybody’.
Since making their ODI debuts, both Rohit and Kohli have been instrumental in India’s cricketing dominance, amassing records and match-winning performances. Yet, with the next ODI World Cup still two years away, selectors seem to be leaning towards preparing a younger core.
This potential phase-out mirrors cricketing transitions seen in other nations, where seasoned greats eventually made way for fresh talent — a move often met with mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.