Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa? That is the multi-million-dollar question that haunts every Indian cricket fan.

In an exclusive interview with Sports Yaari, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla shared a major update on the veteran duo's plans in the 50-over format.

While emphasizing that the national selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar will decide whether both veterans should be part of the squad, Shukla said the board views them as active and vital pillars. “That's what the selectors will decide, but I feel there is a lot of cricket left in Rohit-Kohli,” Rajeev Shukla said, assuring fans about the former's longevity in the game.

The Road to the 2027 South Africa: Rajeev Shukla's statement on Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli

Qualifying for the 2024 World Cup in T20Is following their retirement from Tests as well as their iconic win in the 2024 ODI World Cup was bound to raise several questions about their roadmap in the 50-over format.

However, Shukla put an end to the speculations surrounding any forced retirement schedule for the duo. Stating that the board always adheres to its time-honored tradition of not pressuring senior players regarding their career decisions, he stressed that it was the players' individual choice to decide if they wished to step down or not.

Since both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are maintaining their top-level fitness and are available for the ODIs, their path to the 2027 tournament rests solely on their match sharpness and performances in the upcoming fixtures.

As far as the board is concerned, the modern-day legends are welcome at any time.

Since both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are maintaining their top-level fitness and are available for the ODIs, their path to the 2027 tournament rests solely on their match sharpness and performances in the upcoming fixtures.

As far as the board is concerned, the modern-day legends are welcome at any time.