Shikhar Dhawan Supports Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 ODI World Cup

Dhawan's Endorsement for Rohit and Kohli

Shikhar Dhawan has expressed his confidence in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli representing India in the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. This highly anticipated ICC tournament is set to take place in late 2027 across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Currently, both Rohit and Kohli are primarily active in ODIs, with limited participation in international matches. One of their significant challenges will be maintaining fitness, especially since they are not involved in much domestic cricket. Notably, they were not selected for the India A squad in 2025 and participated in only two matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Dhawan stated, 'Absolutely, they can and should play. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bring invaluable experience, which is crucial as we approach the ODI World Cup, just a year away.' Having played alongside both players in all formats, Dhawan highlighted their successful partnership, where he and Rohit amassed 5,193 runs in 117 ODIs from 2013 to 2022. Dhawan and Kohli, who played together for Delhi before their international debuts, have a long history, with Kohli making his debut shortly after Dhawan, who secured his spot in the team in 2010 after a three-year wait.

Dhawan announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2024, with his last Test appearance in 2018 and his final ODI in 2024.

Prospects for Rohit and Kohli in the 2027 ODI World Cup

Will Rohit and Kohli Play in the 2027 ODI World Cup?

Both Rohit and Kohli appear poised to participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup, as they continue to perform well in the IPL. They are expected to return to the Indian squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan in June. After clinching the T20I World Cup in Barbados in 2024, they stepped back from T20I cricket and retired from Test matches in May 2025. Rohit, who captained India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, made headlines by dropping himself from the playing XI for the fifth Test due to personal reasons. Kohli began the Australia tour with a century but faced challenges in the subsequent matches. Following their return from Australia, both players participated in the Ranji Trophy, indicating their desire to continue playing Test cricket, although they ultimately decided to retire from red-ball cricket during the IPL.

Rohit's Captaincy Change

Rohit Removed from ODI Captaincy

In a surprising move, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar decided to relieve Rohit Sharma of his captaincy duties before the Australia series. Rohit had recently led India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, marking his last assignment as captain. The selectors appointed Shubman Gill as the new captain, despite Rohit's previous success. Shreyas Iyer was named as the vice-captain. In Rohit and Iyer's absence, KL Rahul was reinstated as captain for the home ODI series against South Africa. Gill remains part of both the Test and ODI squads, while Iyer is included only in the 50-over format.