When Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently returned to international cricket, Indian legend Ravi Shastri and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting offered their opinions on whether the legendary pair would still be able to play in the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
It remains to be seen whether Rohit and Kohli will still be a part of India’s lineup when the next World Cup comes around, according to both cricketing greats. In the last 18 months, the two have stopped playing Test and Twenty20 International cricket, therefore they only play One-Day Internationals now. Their first international participation since the ICC Champions Trophy in early 2025 was earlier against the Australians.
Upon returning from an extended period of unemployment, it is inevitable that you will be rusty. Any foreign side that arrives in Australia, say, two days before a match in Perth, finds it difficult to get used to the conditions right away, particularly when they are up against good fast bowlers and have that extra bounce. Time will tell, though, I believe. They’ll travel to Adelaide, have a little break to clear their heads, and then resume their activities,” Shastri stated on The ICC Review.
“I don’t want to cast judgment, but when you return at that age, it’s about how much you’re loving the sport, how hungry you are, and how much enthusiasm you still have for playing the game. They have class, they have experience, and a little time will work things out, so if you check off two of those three boxes—especially the enjoyment one—you can give them both time. But before making a snap judgment, I’d prefer to wait,” he continued.
In line with Shastri’s thoughts, Ponting hinted that Kohli, in particular, would be evaluating his future in international cricket by establishing short-term objectives on the current tour to Australia. Such milestones could assist the top hitter in deciding whether he wants to play into the near future, according to the former Australian captain. However, Kohli had a rare setback during the series when Mitchell Starc removed him for a zero, which was his first duck on Australian soil.
“I think you still need to have some fairly short-term ambitions and not just be hanging on to try to go through to the 2027 World Cup, so to hear someone say, ‘I’ve achieved everything in the game,’ is the one thing I dislike hearing. Virat has always been a really driven individual. “And I’d like to think that he’s probably just sat down and given himself some goals and things that he can achieve in this series here in Australia, instead of just sitting around waiting for the next World Cup to happen,” Ponting said.
“Yes, they are undoubtedly India’s finest team when both of those players are playing at their peak. Can they perform at their peak between now and the upcoming World Cup? And as Ravi stated, we will learn the answer to that question in a short time. Over the next few weeks, they will have some excellent batting wickets in Australia. Adelaide Oval, which will be hosting a one-day match in a few days, is one of the best locations to go and bat,” he continued.
We anticipate Rohit-Virat’s speedy recovery: Ponting.
According to Ponting, Rohit and Kohli will soon get back to their previous level of play, which might occur as early as the upcoming ODI match against Australia in Adelaide. On Thursday, October 23 at the Adelaide Oval, the Shubman Gill-led team will play the second game of the three-game series. The home team is now ahead 1-0.
Discovering your tempo and rhythm is crucial. It takes some time for everyone to get back into the rhythm and tempo of the 50-over game after a break. I anticipate that both of those guys will get back into it really fast. Adelaide is an excellent area to play cricket and bat, as I mentioned. However, the fact that they are up against some of the greatest white-ball bowlers in history makes it difficult. Therefore, the challenge is undoubtedly present,” Ponting stated.
“However, as I always say, champion players are never written off. These two men have been among the best, and even though I have stated that I believe Virat to be the greatest player I have ever seen in 50 overs, you shouldn’t discount them. They will probably be on the 2027 World Cup squad if they can contribute and win games for their side,” he continued.
Shastri is more aware than most of how highly regarded Rohit and Kohli are not only in India but also internationally, particularly in Australia, having coached them for a considerable amount of time during the height of their careers. Australian fans hold the two in the highest regard, according to the former India coach, and they would never do anything to undermine their reputation by prolonging their careers needlessly.
It’s not a two- or three-year contribution. Virat has contributed more than ten and a half years. It is enormous, and people are aware of it. They have also faced off against some of the top bowlers in the history of the game. It is unique. They will leave a legacy. No matter when they finish, whether it’s tomorrow or the day after. Shastri declared, “That legacy will endure.”
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