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With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test and T20 cricket, questions have surfaced about their future in the ODI format.

Both players reportedly aim to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. But with the next generation knocking on the door, will they still be part of India's core team two years from now? Head coach Gautam Gambhir has shared key insights into the team's thinking.

Will Rohit-Kohli Play in 2027 ODI World Cup?

In an interview with CNN-News18, Gambhir addressed speculation around Kohli and Rohit's ODI future:

"The 2027 ODI World Cup is still some distance away. Right now, our focus is on the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India after the England tour. There’s a lot of time before the next 50-over World Cup. As I’ve always said, if you're performing, age is just a number."

Gambhir's remarks hint that performance will be the sole criteria for World Cup selection, keeping the door open for both veterans.

Speaking on the timing of their Test retirements, Gambhir said:

"When to start and when to finish a career is a deeply personal choice. Neither a coach, nor a selector, nor anyone else has the right to decide that. Retirement is a decision that comes from within."

While acknowledging that Kohli and Rohit's experience will be missed, he noted the opportunity it presents:

"Their absence will definitely be felt, but it also opens up space for new players to prove themselves and take the team forward."

India's squad for the upcoming England tour, including the announcement of a new Test captain, will be revealed soon. The five-Test series is set to begin on June 20 and will mark a significant transition phase for Indian cricket.