Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma: Who deserves a spot in Team

India for the 2027 ODI World Cup?

Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma celebrating after winning the Champions Trophy 2025

Indian cricket is currently preparing for life after the golden generation. The team has been going through a transition over the last two years, especially after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is and Test cricket respectively. The two legends of the game are now focused on only one format. It is well known that both players are continuing in ODI cricket because of the unfinished business from the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where India came close to winning the title. Now, all eyes are on the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

However, the question continues to divide experts and fans alike. Some believe the experienced duo should remain part of India’s plans for the tournament. Others feel it is the right time to move on and prepare a younger squad.

Both legends are still among the best ODI players in the world. Even then, it will be a difficult call for the selectors ahead of the 2027 World Cup. If India eventually have to choose between the two, either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma could miss out on the tournament.

Let’s take a look at which batter has the stronger case to remain in India’s squad for the 2027 World Cup.

The age factor for Rohit & Kohli

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in their late 30s, and it becomes difficult to maintain the same level of fitness, form and batting intensity over time. Virat Kohli has always been a champion player who has contributed consistently at the highest level in ODI cricket. He has proven himself time and again over the years while maintaining top fitness standards and staying away from major injuries.

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s case looks more difficult. Rohit will be close to 40 years old by the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, and it may become hard for him to maintain peak fitness and intensity, especially considering his recent injury concerns. Even recently, in the IPL 2026, injuries have affected his rhythm. If India continue with Rohit in their long-term plans and he suffers an injury close to a major tournament, it could affect the balance of the opening combination and the team’s preparation.

No successor for Virat Kohli

It is important to understand that Rohit Sharma still has competition for the opening slot. India have multiple options at the top of the order. Sanju Samson is one of the names being considered in ODI cricket. Ishan Kishan has also contributed with mature innings in limited-overs cricket. There is also fan-favourite Yashasvi Jaiswal. Many fans and experts continue to question why he is being ignored in the ODI format.

There are players who are ready and can potentially replace Rohit Sharma as an opener in the future. However, on the contrary, India are yet to find a proper №3 batter who can replace Virat Kohli in the ODIs. Kohli has owned that position for more than a decade, and the team still struggles to identify a long-term successor. That makes Kohli’s case much stronger because his role in the batting order remains irreplaceable even today.

Performance in South Africa

The 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup will take place in South Africa, and conditions there make experience extremely important. Looking at the performances of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in South Africa, Kohli clearly has the stronger record.

Virat Kohli averages 76.3 in ODIs in South Africa, which is among his best records in overseas conditions. In 20 matches, he has scored six half-centuries and three centuries in the country. South African pitches have always suited Kohli’s batting style, and he also has a highest score of 160 there. His last ODI appearance in South Africa came in 2022.

Rohit Sharma’s record, however, tells a completely different story. South Africa is statistically one of his weakest ODI destinations. Rohit averages just 19.69 in the country. His last ODI there came in 2018, and in 14 matches he has managed only one century and no half-centuries. Over the years, he has struggled against the pace and bounce of South African conditions. Because of this, Rohit’s chances of making the 2027 World Cup squad become more difficult compared to Kohli.

Kohli & Rohit in 2026

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s recent performances and fitness levels may become key deciding factors going forward. While Rohit has struggled for consistency at times, Virat Kohli has continued to score runs regularly and adapt to different conditions.

India still have plenty of ODI cricket left before the World Cup, but it feels important to keep a player like Virat Kohli in the squad because of his chasing ability, experience and consistency across different pitches. Rohit Sharma remains a great player, but his struggles in South African conditions along with age and fitness concerns make his position more vulnerable.

If India eventually have to choose between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Virat Kohli currently appears to have the stronger case.