As the countdown begins toward the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup—set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia—former India captain Sourav Ganguly has raised a sobering but realistic perspective on the prospects of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the tournament.
Speaking to PTI in an exclusive interview at his residence, Ganguly addressed the future of two of India’s modern-day greats, both of whom will be pushing 40 by the time the next 50-over World Cup comes around.
“It won’t be easy”: Ganguly casts doubts on Kohli-Rohit 2027 World Cup chances
By 2027, Kohli will be 38 and Rohit 40—ages at which fitness, form, and sustained competitiveness become steep challenges for international athletes. With India slated to play just 27 ODIs across nine bilateral series until then, the opportunities for both to stay in rhythm and form are limited.
“It won’t be easy, with 15 games a year,” Ganguly said, noting the relatively light ODI calendar India faces over the next two years. He added: “All of us must understand, just like everyone, the game will go away from them and they will go away from the game.”
The comment comes as both Kohli and Rohit have publicly expressed their intention to continue in white-ball cricket, even after stepping away from the red-ball format. But Ganguly, himself one of India’s greatest ODI players, made it clear he won’t be doling out any advice to the seasoned duo.
“I have got no advice. I think they know the game as much I do. They will take a call.”
No panic about India’s future after Rohit and Kohli
While acknowledging that replacing someone of Kohli’s caliber won’t be easy, Ganguly was confident that Indian cricket would adapt and move forward.
“I was not concerned at all. Virat is a class player. Finding his replacement will take time. But the rest, I wasn’t surprised.”
India’s depth in white-ball cricket has been a point of strength in recent years, and Ganguly’s remarks indicate trust in the system to evolve, even as legends of the game near the twilight of their careers.
“He was special”: Ganguly pays rich tribute to Yuvraj Singh
Ganguly also took a moment to reflect on the career of Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s most iconic white-ball match-winners. He remembered first spotting Yuvraj during a tournament in Nairobi, where his natural talent stood out immediately.
“I remember seeing Yuvraj for the first time in Nairobi and saw that he is special. What he went on to do for India after that in one-day cricket is unreal. He was 2007 World T20 player of the series, 2011 World Cup, player of the series, runs, wickets, fielding, he was special.”
Despite his glittering achievements in limited-overs formats, Yuvraj’s Test career never quite took off.
“Unfortunately he did not get many opportunities in Test matches. He played about 30 odd Test matches, he got stuck between Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and VVS Laxman, but a special player,” Ganguly said.
The bottom line
Sourav Ganguly’s reflections are a reminder of how quickly the landscape can shift in elite sport. While the hopes of seeing Kohli and Rohit in the 2027 ODI World Cup remain alive, the former skipper’s words reinforce that such ambitions will require navigating age, form, and limited opportunities—factors that don’t favor longevity.
In the end, the decisions will rest with the players themselves. As Ganguly put it, they know the game as well as anyone—and they’ll know when it’s time.
