Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Retirement Sparks World Cup Dreams

The retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket have stirred excitement for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. While fans dream of a fairy-tale ending for these cricket legends, former captain Sourav Ganguly warns of the challenges ahead. With 27 ODIs scheduled before the tournament, both players must remain active to realize their World Cup ambitions. Their legacy includes a T20 World Cup and two Champions Trophy titles, but an ODI World Cup victory would be the ultimate achievement. As they focus on their fitness and performance, the cricketing world watches closely.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2025, 13:26 IST

Retirement of Indian Cricket Legends

The recent retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket have sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket community. Their exits, occurring just a week apart, mark the end of a significant chapter in red-ball cricket while igniting aspirations for a triumphant finish at the 2027 ODI World Cup. Although this prestigious tournament is still over two years away, the prospect of these two cricketing icons participating in what could be their final ICC event has captivated fans.

By the time the World Cup arrives in 2027, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit will be 40, necessitating exceptional fitness and discipline to compete at the highest level. However, with the Test and T20 formats no longer demanding their attention, both players now have the opportunity to focus entirely on ODIs.

Challenges Ahead for the Cricketing Duo

Despite the excitement, not everyone shares the same optimism. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed concerns about the road to the World Cup being straightforward. India has a minimum of 27 ODIs scheduled before the tournament, and Ganguly believes that if Kohli and Rohit are serious about their World Cup ambitions, they must actively participate in most, if not all, of these matches.

"It won’t be easy. Fifteen games a year. I have no advice to give. They understand the game as well as I do and will make their own decisions. However, we must all recognize that, like everyone else, the game will eventually move on from them, and they will move on from the game," Ganguly stated.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

The duo has already achieved significant success in white-ball cricket, including a T20 World Cup and two Champions Trophy titles. An ODI World Cup victory would be the perfect culmination of their careers, allowing them to retire on a high note. While the IPL may not directly influence ODI performance, the challenges of the 14-match tournament can help maintain their rhythm and fitness, ensuring they remain in peak condition.