Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play 2027 World Cup? What are the challenges? Former Australian captain with answers

PERTH: Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has weighed in on the future of senior Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The duo, who have retired from T20 and Test matches, are currently active only in ODIs. The main topic of discussion is whether they will participate with just two years left for the next World Cup. The discussions regarding the future of the duo have revived as the ODI series between India and Australia has begun.

Some former players and experts have suggested that Rohit and Kohli should play more domestic cricket to maintain their form. However, Finch's opinion is different. Finch's stance is that the players' domestic cricket participation will not affect their chances or performance. The determining factors, in his view, are the players' inner motivation, desire, and demonstrated performance.

'I don't think it necessarily comes down to playing so much domestic cricket. I don't think that would change their chances or the way they approach it at all. The odd game here or there, just to make sure that they're ticking over in a competitive environment. But you know that they're going to be hitting thousands and thousands of balls behind the scenes, away from the cameras. So, yeah, if the desire is still there, and if the performances are there, there’s no reason why they won’t,” Finch said.

By the time the 2027 World Cup comes, Rohit will be 40 and Virat will be 39. It’s a big challenge for both of them. But Finch said he would love to see them both play in that 50-over World Cup in 2027. That’ll be up to the selectors, the coaching staff, the captain and their performances. That’s what it comes down to. I think that any time you have the experience that they bring, but are also pushed by the next generation of players coming through, it’s really exciting because it keeps the depth of the squad so strong. And no doubt India have got that,' -he added. So, what are the challenges that they face? Probably just the amount of cricket. No doubt that will have its challenges. But you know that neither of them will leave any stone unturned. If there's a desire for them to both get there, and they've indicated that, then you know that they're going to be hitting enough balls, Finch said.