India–Bangladesh tensions are no longer limited to politics or boardroom talks. This conflict will also hurt both India and Bangladesh, but the two players who could suffer the most are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both Rohit and Kohli have already retired from Test and T20I cricket.
India–Bangladesh tensions move beyond politics, cricket takes the hit
The former Indian captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s full focus is now on ODIs, with one clear goal in mind—the 2027 World Cup. Every ODI series before that tournament is extremely important for them, not just for runs, but for rhythm, confidence, and staying match-ready.
India was scheduled to tour Bangladesh in September 2026 for a three-match ODI series. The Indian team was supposed to arrive on August 28, with matches planned for September 1, 3, and 6. This tour was once postponed last year due to diplomatic issues and government travel advisories.
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Now, with fresh tensions between India and Bangladesh, there is serious doubt over whether the three-match ODI series will happen at all. The fresh controversy sparked after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from their IPL 2026 squad following a directive from the BCCI because of the ongoing situation of Hindus in Bangladesh.
This move upset fans and officials in Bangladesh, who felt cricket was being mixed with politics. The situation worsened when the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of IPL 2026 in the country. Things escalated further when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, citing player safety concerns.
After weeks of consultation, the ICC found out there was no real threat, yet Bangladesh remained firm on not travelling to India and was eventually replaced by Scotland in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. This fallout has now put India’s Bangladesh tour in danger.
World Cup 2027 preparation at risk as India vs Bangladesh ODI series in danger
With relations strained and cricket boards from both countries at odds, reports suggest that India may not travel to Bangladesh for the rescheduled white-ball series in August-September. If that happens, India could lose three important ODI matches in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup.
Before the World Cup in Africa contingent, India was scheduled to play around 24 to 27 ODI matches against teams like Afghanistan, England, the West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The Bangladesh series was seen as a key part of that build-up, especially because playing there offers tough subcontinental conditions and strong competition.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to suffer the most due to strained relations
For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, missing the Bangladesh series would be a big blow. Since they no longer play Tests or T20Is, ODI matches are their only chance to stay sharp at the international level. Every lost game reduces their match exposure and puts extra pressure on the remaining series.
Former players and experts have already warned that long gaps between ODI matches can affect the timing, decision-making, and confidence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. If India enters the 2027 World Cup with fewer matches and limited preparation, it could impact not just the team’s planning but also the final 2027 World Cup push of two of India’s biggest cricket legends.
