Ponting believes Kohli and Sharma will aim for 2027 ODI World Cup
Quick Look
- Ricky Ponting believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma aim for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Both players are performing well in IPL 2026, with Kohli scoring 542 runs and Rohit showing improved fitness.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Australian cricket great Ricky Ponting believes Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are aiming to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both players have retired from Test cricket and primarily focus on ODIs and the IPL.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
Australian cricket great Ricky Ponting believes Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are trying to continue till the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket last year and now only play ODI cricket for India. Apart from international matches, most of their cricket now comes in the IPL. Ponting, who led Australia to ODI World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, said experienced players like Kohli and Rohit should never be written off. "I can see them pushing ahead and trying to get there. One thing I've always said about champion players is you never say no. You never write them off," Ponting, who is the head coach of Punjab Kings, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Ponting also praised Kohli’s performances in IPL 2026 and Rohit’s fitness levels this season. "Virat's been a good example of that again through this IPL. He's not playing as much international cricket as he once was, but that determination and want to win is still there. Rohit Sharma has turned up at this IPL in better physical condition than I've seen him probably in about 10 or 12 years. "So the passion is still there for those guys to push on and make themselves the best players they can be. So like I said, you never say never," he added.
Poll
Which player do you think has shown better form in IPL 2026?
Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma
Kohli has scored 542 runs in 13 matches in IPL 2026, including one century. Rohit, who returned after recovering from a hamstring injury, has mostly played as an impact player for Mumbai Indians. He has scored 283 runs in eight matches, including two half-centuries. Both Kohli and Rohit have maintained strike rates above 160 this season. On Tuesday, both players were included in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan national cricket team starting June 14. Rohit’s selection was subject to fitness because of his hamstring issue. The selectors are expected to take a final call on their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup closer to the tournament, depending on their form and fitness.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will aim to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will Kohli and Sharma's form and fitness be sufficient for the 2027 ODI World Cup selection?
- What will be the impact of their continued presence on younger players in the Indian squad?