New Delhi: India batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain in contention for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas stating that fitness and performance, rather than age, should determine selection.
With the tournament scheduled for October and November 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the future of the two experienced batters has become a major talking point among cricket fans. Both players are in the latter stages of their international careers, but their performances in the 50-over format continue to influence discussions about India’s plans for the next World Cup.
Speaking to Sportstar, Manhas made it clear that the final decision would rest with the selectors and coaching staff. He said players should not be ruled out simply because of their age if they remain fit and continue delivering results for the national team.
Fitness and performance to determine selection
Manhas stressed that a player’s contribution on the field should carry more weight than their age when selection decisions are made.
He said the BCCI president was not in a position to make the final call on individual selections, as those responsibilities belong to the selectors and coaches. However, he expressed his view that fitness and performance should be the principal considerations.
According to Manhas, players who remain physically capable, perform consistently and help India win matches should continue to be considered for selection.
His comments offer encouragement to supporters hoping to see Kohli and Rohit feature in the 2027 World Cup. However, the remarks should not be interpreted as confirmation that either player has secured a place in India’s squad.
The selectors will have to assess their form, fitness, consistency and suitability for the team’s requirements as the tournament approaches.
Kohli and Rohit continue to be part of India’s ODI plans
Kohli and Rohit have been among India’s most influential batters across formats for more than a decade. Their experience in major international tournaments could prove valuable as India prepares for another World Cup campaign.
Both players were part of India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final on home soil, where the team lost to Australia. Kohli enjoyed a record-breaking tournament with the bat, while Rohit played an attacking role at the top of the order.
Their performances in the ODI series against the West Indies in October 2026 have renewed discussion about their prospects for the next global tournament. Both registered centuries during the series, reinforcing the argument that current form should remain central to selection decisions.
Nevertheless, maintaining those standards over the coming months will be important. A World Cup campaign demands consistency, physical conditioning and the ability to perform under pressure across multiple matches.
Experience could help Shubman Gill’s leadership
India are also looking towards the next generation of leadership, with Shubman Gill expected to lead the ODI side into the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Manhas believes experienced players can help Gill manage the demands of captaincy. He pointed to the value of having senior figures such as Kohli, Rohit and Hardik Pandya in the team, alongside Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership within the bowling attack.
Experienced players can support a captain by sharing tactical knowledge, helping younger teammates handle high-pressure situations and contributing to decision-making on the field.
Manhas also highlighted the importance of distributing leadership responsibilities among senior members of the squad. Such an approach could help Gill as he develops his leadership style ahead of his first ODI World Cup as captain. 【turn740901search6】
India’s selection challenge ahead of the 2027 World Cup
India’s preparations will involve balancing the experience of established international players with opportunities for emerging talent. The selectors will need to consider the team’s long-term needs while ensuring that players selected for the tournament can perform consistently at the highest level.
Kohli and Rohit bring substantial experience in ODI cricket and World Cup competition. At the same time, competition for places is likely to remain intense as younger batters seek to establish themselves in the national side.
Fitness management will also be an important consideration in the lead-up to the tournament. International schedules are demanding, and the team management will have to assess players’ workloads and availability while preparing a balanced squad.
Manhas’s comments indicate that age alone should not prevent senior players from remaining in contention. They do not, however, guarantee selection for either Kohli or Rohit.
Final call rests with selectors and coaching staff
With the 2027 ODI World Cup still ahead, Kohli and Rohit will need to continue making their case through performances and fitness. Their experience could be an asset to Gill and the wider team, but selection will ultimately depend on the requirements of the squad and decisions made by the cricket management.
For now, the BCCI president’s message is clear: fitness and performance should take priority over age. Whether both veterans feature in India’s final World Cup squad will become clearer as the team moves closer to the tournament.