Sourav Ganguly has expressed doubts about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma making the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing their age and fitness as key challenges. With Kohli turning 38 and Rohit 40 by then, Ganguly believes their Kohli-Rohit ODI future could be in jeopardy due to limited ODIs remaining. India only has 27 matches before the tournament, which may not be enough for them to maintain peak form.
According to The Times of India, Ganguly emphasized that age could affect their performance. However, Reuters report that the new coach, Gautam Gambhir, remains supportive of their chances, depending on their fitness and form.
[REPORT] The Challenges Kohli and Rohit Face
By 2027, Kohli will be 38 and Rohit will be 40. Age is one factor, but fitness is even more important in international cricket. Ganguly emphasized in an interview with PTI, that it might be challenging for the two to sustain their best form and health with just 27 ODIs left before the 2027 World Cup.
The confusion around the Kohli-Rohit ODI future is shown by this. As players age, their bodies will be subjected to more stress due to the demanding nature of international cricket, which might make them unfit for the competition.
SUGGESTED READ: Top 10 Players With Most Test Centuries
With only a handful of ODIs left before the World Cup, both Kohli and Rohit could face challenges in staying fit and competitive, casting uncertainty on whether they can continue at the top level for much longer.
Watch here:
[TRENDING] Social Media Responses: Fans Share Their Views
There were several social media reactions to the statements made by Sourav Ganguly.
The Press Trust of India page tweeted, “Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99), when asked whether Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) and Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) can continue playing only ODIs and still maintain their fitness, said:
VIDEO | Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99), when asked whether Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) and Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) can continue playing only ODIs and still maintain their fitness, said:
“It won’t be easy, fifteen games a year. I’ve got no advice. I think… pic.twitter.com/CLlUVSN39g
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2025
“It won’t be easy, fifteen games a year. I’ve got no advice. I think they know the game as much as I do, and they (Rohit & Virat) will make their own decisions. But all of us must understand that, like everyone else, the game will eventually move on from them, and they will move on from the game.””
Another user commented on the post angrily, “Virat 36 Rohit 38 but let’s compare both 😡”.
Virat 36
Rohit 38 but let’s compare both 😡— 🦍 (@__Reaacher) June 22, 2025
Amit Mishra’s Opinion
Kohli and Rohit would have trouble at the 2027 ODI World Cup given their ages and fitness levels. Even though they have made invaluable contributions to Indian cricket, they struggle to continue playing at their best at their age.
They shouldn’t be written off, though, because both have previously failed to live up to expectations. Having said that, the emphasis should now be on preparing the next generation of talent.
While Kohli and Rohit’s legacies will always be remembered, India must start planning for the next generation to continue its cricketing success.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED: David Lawrence, Former England Bowler, Dies at 61
