Should Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Play 2027 World Cup? Shikhar Dhawan’s Verdict
The Great Debate: Will the Legends Return for the 2027 World Cup?
With the glitz and glamour of IPL 2026 currently dominating the headlines, the cricketing world is already casting its gaze toward the next major milestone on the calendar: the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2027. While India continues to uncover a goldmine of young, explosive talent, a persistent question lingers in the minds of fans and pundits alike: Do Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still have a place in the marquee tournament?
The 2027 edition promises to be a sprawling spectacle. Scheduled to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the tournament will feature 14 teams battling it out across 54 high-stakes matches. Interestingly, this marks the second time South Africa and Zimbabwe will co-host the event since 2003, while Namibia will make its historic debut as a World Cup host. Given the physical demands of African conditions, the conversation regarding squad composition is more critical than ever.
Shikhar Dhawan Weighs In: Experience is Non-Negotiable
Amidst the flurry of speculation, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has offered a clear and resounding verdict. For Dhawan, the answer is simple: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should absolutely be part of India’s plans for 2027.
Dhawan emphasizes that while raw talent is abundant, the pressure of a World Cup requires something that cannot be taught in a net session: composure and game awareness. According to Dhawan, the mental fortitude provided by seasoned veterans is the glue that holds a team together during knockout stages.
“Kohli & Rohit can – and they should play. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both are experienced – you need experience going into the ODI WC, which is only a year away,” Dhawan stated firmly.
The Elephant in the Room: Age and Workload
Despite Dhawan’s confidence, the logistical and physical realities cannot be ignored. The transition phase for Indian cricket is complex. Both Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket earlier this year, a move that suggests a strategic shift toward managing their physical output. Furthermore, the evolving cricket calendar means they are appearing in fewer ODIs, making it harder to maintain a rhythmic flow in the 50-over format.
The most pressing concern is the biological clock. By the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, Rohit Sharma will be entering his 40s, and Virat Kohli will be in his late 30s. In a tournament known for its grueling schedule and physically demanding environments, questions regarding fitness, recovery times, and workload management are inevitable. The challenge for the selectors will be balancing the undeniable value of their experience against the risk of physical decline.
Analyzing the Numbers: Recent ODI Form
When looking at the data, Virat Kohli continues to be a beacon of consistency. In the lead-up to IPL 2026, his performances against New Zealand and South Africa were nothing short of masterclasses:
- Against New Zealand: Kohli played 3 innings, amassing 240 runs at a staggering average of 80.00 and a strike rate of 105.26.
- Against South Africa: He elevated his game further, scoring 302 runs in 3 innings with an average of 151 and a strike rate of 117.05.
Rohit Sharma’s recent trajectory has been more volatile. While he struggled to find his rhythm during the New Zealand series—scoring only 61 runs in 3 innings at an average of 20.33—he showed his class during the South African tour. In that series, Rohit scored 146 runs across 3 innings, averaging 48.67 with a healthy strike rate of 110.61.
The IPL 2026 Factor and Fitness Concerns
The current IPL season is serving as a vital litmus test for both players. Virat Kohli has been in red-hot form, proving that his appetite for runs remains insatiable. In 8 innings, he has hammered 351 runs at an average of 58.50 and a blistering strike rate of 162.50.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL campaign, however, has been marred by injury. In his four appearances, he scored 137 runs at an average of 34.25 and a strike rate of 165.06. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted on April 12 during Mumbai Indians’ clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he suffered a hamstring injury. He has missed four matches since, making his fitness the primary talking point of his career right now.
What’s Next?
As India prepares for upcoming ODI appearances against Afghanistan following the conclusion of IPL 2026, these matches will serve as a crucial auditing period. For Rohit, it will be about proving his body can still handle the rigors of international cricket. For Kohli, it will be about maintaining the gold standard of consistency.
Whether the selectors follow Shikhar Dhawan’s advice or opt for a youth-centric revolution, the impact of Kohli and Rohit on Indian cricket is eternal. The road to 2027 is long, but for these two legends, the finish line remains a tantalizing possibility.
