Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed doubt over the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speaking exclusively to India Today, Gavaskar acknowledged the duo's remarkable achievements in the 50-over format but noted that age and form may keep them out of the next World Cup, which is still two years away.

Both veterans recently stepped away from Test cricket—Rohit announced his retirement on May 7, followed by Kohli on May 12. Earlier, they had also bid farewell to T20Is after lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The pair added another feather to their cap by helping India win the Champions Trophy in the UAE. The tournament, hosted by Pakistan, saw India finish unbeaten. Their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup was equally stellar, taking India to the final without a single loss in the league stages.

While praising their contributions, Gavaskar suggested that the selectors would now focus on long-term planning, including evaluating whether Rohit and Kohli could sustain their current levels of performance until 2027.

“They’ve been phenomenal in this format,” Gavaskar said in a May 12 interview with Sports Today. “But the selection committee will ask: ‘Can they keep up this intensity for another two years? Will they contribute at the same level?’ If the answer is yes, then they’ll be picked. But that’s a big if.”

When asked for his personal take, Gavaskar was candid. “Honestly, I don’t think they’ll play the 2027 World Cup. But then again, cricket is unpredictable. If either of them goes on a scoring spree over the next year, and keeps hitting centuries, not even God can keep them out.”

By 2027, Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old, and Kohli 38. Rohit's fitness has already raised eyebrows, especially since he has avoided fielding duties in the current IPL season. Kohli, meanwhile, has shown moments of struggle early in his innings, sparking concerns about a decline in form.

Despite their immense legacies, Gavaskar believes their future will depend on what they do in the present.