Sunil Gavaskar Predicts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Will Miss 2027 ODI World Cup

Indian Cricket Legend Urges Selectors to Focus on Youth as Kohli and Rohit’s Future in Doubt.

Former India captain and cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar has made a bold prediction about the future of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating that the duo is unlikely to feature in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Gavaskar’s comments have stirred debate in the cricketing world, as India looks to rebuild after recent disappointments on the international stage.

Speaking in a recent interview, Gavaskar pointed to India’s declining batting performances and the age of the star players. “It is clear that in the last six months, the batting failed, and that was the main reason we lost matches that we should have won,” he said. “If changes are required for the new cycle of the WTC which starts in mid-June in England, then hopefully the selectors will take into account who would still be there for the final in 2027 and choose accordingly.”

Gavaskar’s remarks come after India’s recent Test series losses and ODI setbacks, where both Kohli and Sharma struggled to make a strong impact. Kohli scored 190 runs in 5 Tests, while Sharma managed just 31 runs in 4 innings, raising questions about their form and long-term place in the squad.

Selectors Urged to Look Ahead

Gavaskar urged selectors to begin planning for the future with a team built around younger talent, keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. His suggestion reflects a larger sentiment among some cricket experts that India must look beyond its established stars to remain competitive on the world stage.

“The team needs fresh energy, long-term thinking, and players who can peak by 2027,” Gavaskar emphasized. “Superstar status should never outweigh current performance.”

Contrasting Opinions Within the Cricketing Fraternity

Not everyone shares Gavaskar’s view. Former cricketer and current India coach Gautam Gambhir recently offered a more optimistic take, saying that both Kohli and Sharma could still make it to the 2027 World Cup, provided they maintain their fitness and form.

“They have both proven themselves on the big stage and still have a lot to offer. Fitness will be key,” Gambhir said in a recent media interaction.

The Road Ahead for Team India

With a new World Test Championship cycle beginning in June and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, Indian selectors face mounting pressure to rejuvenate the squad while maintaining a core of experience. The decisions they make in the coming months could define India’s success over the next few years.

As the cricketing world watches closely, one thing is clear: the future of Indian cricket hinges on the right balance between experience and youth—and the calls made on legends like Kohli and Sharma will be pivotal.