New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained its silence on whether Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of the national team’s plans for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Amid growing speculation over the future of the two former captains, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said discussions regarding India’s roadmap for the next World Cup are ongoing but remain internal matters that are not meant for public disclosure.
Rohit and Kohli, who have retired from Test and T20I cricket and now feature only in the ODI format for India, continue to be central figures whenever conversations turn to the 2027 World Cup. Both players are reportedly keen to remain available for the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
However, Saikia refrained from offering any indication about their prospects, stressing that decisions concerning team planning involve multiple stakeholders, including selectors, the coaching staff, the cricket committee and the players themselves.
According to the BCCI secretary, regular consultations are taking place within the system, making special meetings on individual players unnecessary. He described the process as continuous and collaborative, with all relevant parties contributing to discussions about the future direction of Indian cricket.
His comments mirror the cautious approach previously adopted by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, both of whom have avoided making firm commitments regarding the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli in India’s long-term ODI plans.
At 39 and 37 respectively by the time of the 2027 World Cup, the two veterans would be among the oldest players in international cricket. While their experience and recent performances remain valuable assets, the BCCI’s latest remarks suggest that no final decisions have yet been made as India continues to shape its strategy for the next global tournament.
