Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have reportedly made several key decisions ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour against Australia. According to reports, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might become ‘former players,’ with their future for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 remaining uncertain.
Virat and Rohit have been included in India’s 15-member squad for the ODI series in Australia, starting on October 19. The BCCI chairman of selectors stated that they are not in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup. Notably, Rohit was removed as India’s ODI captain, with Shubman Gill taking charge of the team.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma May Become ‘Former Players’
According to The Telegraph, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may become “former players.” Having already stepped away from T20Is and Tests, the duo face an uphill task in coping with the physical demands of regular cricket.
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Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir planned to hand the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill after his impressive success as Test captain in England.
“The plan to put Shubman Gill in charge of the ODI side had been devised much earlier, and the new Test captain’s success in England only helped the selectors and the team management’s cause. The blueprint, devised by Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir, was kept a closely guarded secret and got the approval of the power-wielders in the Board,” The Telegraph reported.
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma May Face Challenges in Retaining Spots
Sachin Tendulkar retired from international cricket at 40, while MS Dhoni played his last match for India at 39. Rohit Sharma will be 40, and Virat Kohli nearly 39, when the 2027 World Cup takes place in Africa.
With several young players waiting for opportunities, the senior duo may face challenges in retaining their spots. Recent reports suggested that the Australia series could serve as the farewell series for both Rohit and Kohli.
The leadership change has strengthened that speculation, with many believing the board is planning for a future without them. Notably, the decision will depend on how long they personally wish to continue playing.
A PTI report mentioned that Kohli might still get a chance to participate in the 2027 World Cup. Rohit has been working on his fitness with Abhishek Nayar, but some experts feel it may not be enough to extend his career much further.
Rohit Sharma Replaced Virat Kohli as Full Time ODI Captain in 2021
Rohit Sharma officially replaced Kohli as the permanent ODI captain in December 2021. Before becoming the full-time leader, he had already guided the side to the title during the 2018 Asia Cup. He also led India on the 2017 Sri Lanka tour when Kohli was rested.
The 38-year-old led the team to an Asia Cup triumph in Sri Lanka in 2023. The team dominated the World Cup at home, going unbeaten into the final before suffering heartbreak against Australia.
However, two years later, under his leadership, India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy, placing him among the most successful modern-day white-ball captains.
Rohit captained India in 56 ODIs between 2017 and 2025, registering 42 wins, 12 losses, alongside one tie, and one no result. With a winning percentage of 75, the 38-year-old is the best skipper in India’s ODI history in terms of stats.
