Sunil Gavaskar fires a warning to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma:

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed serious doubts about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's chances of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, warning that their futures depend heavily on how many one-day matches India plays over the next two years and whether the aging veterans can maintain match fitness through domestic cricket.

The core challenge: too few matches

Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar identified the fundamental problem facing both legends as they prepare for the Australia ODI series starting October 19.

"It depends to a great extent on the number of one-day matches that India plays over the next couple of years. Look, it's not easy to be playing just seven or eight ODIs in a season while preparing for something as big as a World Cup."

With ODI cricket now being the least-played format in the international calendar, Gavaskar emphasized that keeping match-ready becomes exponentially harder for players approaching the twilight of their careers. India's last ODI was the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, creating a seven-month gap before the Australia series—a reality that will repeat multiple times before the 2027 World Cup.

Domestic cricket: the only solution

Gavaskar stressed that if Kohli and Rohit want to keep their World Cup dreams alive, they cannot rely solely on the handful of international ODIs on the schedule. Domestic cricket participation becomes mandatory.

"There is not much in terms of exposure or practice for players who are approaching the latter stages of their careers. They will have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy in India whenever it's scheduled, if it doesn't clash with any international ODI tournaments. That's one way to stay in trim and maintain match practice."

The Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier 50-over domestic tournament, typically runs in December-January. Both Rohit and Kohli have rarely played domestic cricket in recent years—Kohli's last List A domestic match was in 2010, and Rohit's in 2018. Gavaskar's comments suggest this luxury is no longer available if they want to remain internationally relevant.

The Australia factor: selective participation?

In a pointed observation that sparked debate, Gavaskar suggested that Kohli and Rohit's availability for the Australia tour might be "agenda-driven" rather than purely performance-based.

"I'm pretty certain that if this were a trip to Zimbabwe or the West Indies, both of them would not have been available. But because this is in Australia, and because India lost to Australia in the World Cup final, maybe that is the reason why both of them have decided, yes, I want to be available for this."

This comment hints at a pick-and-choose approach where the veterans select high-profile series against major opponents while potentially skipping tours to less prominent destinations. While understandable given their stature and the desire for meaningful cricket, it raises questions about commitment to the format and team-building continuity.

The age reality

By the time the 2027 World Cup begins in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old and Virat Kohli will be 38. Gavaskar's warning acknowledges this uncomfortable arithmetic, suggesting that age combined with limited playing time creates a perfect storm of uncertainty.

Both players have retired from Tests and T20Is, leaving ODIs as their sole international format. This one-format focus was supposed to help them concentrate their energies, but with ODIs scheduled so infrequently, it paradoxically creates the opposite effect—long periods of inactivity punctuated by occasional high-pressure series.

What the selectors are saying (and not saying)

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has been deliberately non-committal about Kohli and Rohit's 2027 World Cup prospects. When pressed during Saturday's squad announcement, his response was carefully calibrated:

"We've picked them (for Australia). As far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned, I don't think we need to talk about it today. You don't have to think too far at this point, as the team is picked for Australia. You just need them to score runs like they have been through their career."

Reading between the lines, this non-answer speaks volumes. The selectors are keeping options open while refusing to provide any guarantees. Both veterans will be judged strictly on current performance rather than past achievements.

Agarkar also acknowledged the unprecedented nature of their situation:

"Those are two really experienced guys who have been around for a long time. They would perhaps find it a little bit alien just to play one format which is played the least, but they are probably (also) the guys to answer that, and we will find out a bit more when we see them in Australia."

The fitness factor

Both players have maintained impressive fitness regimens during their extended break from international cricket. Reports indicate Rohit shed close to 10 kilograms as part of his training routine, while Kohli's legendary fitness standards remain unquestioned.

However, Gavaskar's warning suggests that gym fitness and match fitness are different animals. Without regular competitive cricket, even the fittest players struggle to maintain the specific sharpness required for international cricket—timing, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to handle quality bowling at pace.

What needs to happen for 2027 participation

For both Kohli and Rohit to realistically participate in the 2027 World Cup, several conditions must be met:

Performance in Australia: The upcoming three-match series becomes critically important. Poor performances would likely accelerate their exits, while strong showings might buy more time.

Domestic cricket participation: Both must commit to playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy during gaps in the international calendar. This isn't optional anymore—it's essential for maintaining form and proving commitment.

Consistent run-scoring: With merit-based selection now the stated policy, both need to deliver centuries and match-winning performances whenever they play.

Fitness maintenance: Staying injury-free and maintaining peak physical conditioning despite limited match practice will be crucial.

Strategic availability: Being available for all ODI series, not just high-profile ones, to build continuity and team cohesion.

Historical precedent

Cricket history offers few examples of players successfully competing at the highest level past 38-40 years old in ODI cricket. Those who have managed it—players like Sachin Tendulkar and Misbah-ul-Haq—played regularly across formats and maintained consistent match practice.

The current situation facing Rohit and Kohli is almost unprecedented: two aging superstars restricted to one format that's barely played, trying to stay relevant for a World Cup two years away. No wonder Gavaskar sounds skeptical.

The broader context

This discussion doesn't happen in isolation. The BCCI's decision to remove Rohit as ODI captain and appoint Shubman Gill signals a clear generational shift. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are implementing an "Australian-style" culture where team trumps individual reputation.

Their philosophy—stars don't make good teams, but good teams create stars—applies even to legends like Kohli and Rohit. Past achievements no longer guarantee selection. The focus has shifted firmly to building toward 2027 with players who will be in their prime, not potentially declining veterans.

What the coming months reveal

The Australia series beginning October 19 provides the first test of whether Kohli and Rohit can still perform at the highest level after a seven-month gap. Strong performances would temporarily silence doubts, while struggles would likely accelerate questions about their futures.

Beyond Australia, the December-January window becomes crucial. Will both veterans actually play the Vijay Hazare Trophy as Gavaskar suggests they must? Their participation—or lack thereof—will reveal how seriously they take their World Cup ambitions.

The uncomfortable truth

Gavaskar's warning, stripped of diplomatic niceties, amounts to this: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's 2027 World Cup participation is far from certain. Age, limited playing opportunities, and merit-based selection combine to create substantial obstacles.

Their legendary status and past achievements buy them nothing in the current environment. They must prove their worth match by match, series by series, potentially including humbling themselves to play domestic cricket—something they've rarely done at the peaks of their careers.

The next two years will determine whether these two icons can defy Father Time and cricketing logic to feature in one final World Cup, or whether the Australia series marks the beginning of the end for two of India's greatest ODI players.