“Virat Kohli will Easily Make it however Rohit have to do lot of hard work….” reveals Former India Selector for 2027 ODI World Cup
The debate surrounding the future of India’s batting legends continues to generate significant interest among cricket fans. Former India selector Saba Karim has now shared his views on the road ahead for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, suggesting that the two icons currently find themselves in very different situations when it comes to India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Speaking about the future of India’s senior batters, Karim stated that Virat Kohli’s position in the national team remains secure without any doubt, while Rohit Sharma may need to put in substantial effort to ensure he remains an integral part of India’s long-term plans.
Virat Kohli has once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most dependable batters in world cricket. Despite being in the latter stages of his illustrious career, Kohli continues to deliver consistent performances across major tournaments and high-pressure situations. His fitness levels, hunger for runs, and ability to adapt to changing formats have allowed him to remain a crucial pillar of India’s batting lineup.
According to Karim, Kohli’s consistency is the biggest reason why there are no concerns regarding his future. The former India captain has repeatedly shown that he can perform against the best bowling attacks in the world while maintaining exceptional standards of preparation and professionalism. As a result, selectors are likely to view him as a key component of India’s plans heading into the next ODI World Cup cycle.
In contrast, Rohit Sharma faces a more challenging road ahead. While Rohit remains one of the most successful captains and opening batters India has ever produced, questions surrounding workload management, fitness, and long-term availability continue to emerge. Karim believes that Rohit will need to work extremely hard over the next few years if he wants to remain a regular feature in India’s setup leading up to 2027.
There is no denying Rohit’s impact on Indian cricket. His record as an opener, his ability to score big hundreds, and his leadership credentials have made him one of the defining figures of modern Indian cricket. Under his captaincy, India has achieved significant success across formats and has remained one of the strongest teams in international cricket.
However, age is an unavoidable factor in professional sport. By the time the 2027 ODI World Cup arrives, Rohit will be well into the latter stages of his career. Maintaining peak fitness and sustaining high performance levels will therefore become increasingly important. Karim’s comments reflect the reality that selectors often prioritize players who can consistently meet the physical and competitive demands of international cricket.
Another factor influencing the discussion is the emergence of younger batting talent. India possesses a strong pipeline of players who are eager to establish themselves at the highest level. Competition for places continues to intensify, meaning senior players must consistently justify their selection through performances and fitness standards.
Virat Kohli appears to have successfully navigated this challenge. His ability to evolve his game, maintain elite fitness, and deliver in crucial matches has kept him ahead of many of his contemporaries. Even when expectations are at their highest, Kohli continues to respond with remarkable consistency, reinforcing his reputation as one of the greatest batters of his generation.
For Rohit Sharma, the next phase of his career could be defined by how effectively he manages his workload and adapts to the changing demands of international cricket. Few players possess his experience, tactical understanding, and ability to dominate bowling attacks. If he can maintain fitness and continue producing impactful performances, he remains capable of extending his international career significantly.
The comments from Saba Karim are unlikely to diminish Rohit’s importance to Indian cricket, but they do highlight the challenges that come with longevity at the highest level. At the same time, they underline the confidence that selectors and experts continue to have in Virat Kohli’s ability to contribute on the biggest stages.
As India begins planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, both batting superstars will remain central to discussions about the team’s future. While Kohli’s place appears secure based on current form and fitness, Rohit’s journey may require additional effort and sustained excellence. Ultimately, their performances over the coming years will determine how long these legendary cricketers continue to shape the future of Indian cricket.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Why does Saba Karim believe Virat Kohli’s place for the 2027 ODI World Cup is secure while Rohit Sharma needs to work harder to remain in contention?
Saba Karim’s assessment is largely based on the current trajectories of both players in terms of fitness, consistency, and long-term planning. Virat Kohli continues to maintain exceptionally high standards in international cricket. Even after spending more than a decade at the highest level, he remains one of India’s most dependable batters. His fitness levels are among the best in world cricket, and his ability to perform under pressure has helped him remain a vital part of India’s batting unit. Kohli has consistently delivered in major tournaments and against top-quality opposition, which gives selectors confidence that he can continue contributing effectively through the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, faces a different challenge. While he remains one of India’s greatest opening batters and captains, the demands of modern international cricket require players to maintain peak physical condition for extended periods. By the time the 2027 ODI World Cup arrives, Rohit will be significantly older, making fitness, workload management, and sustained performance increasingly important factors. Karim’s comments do not suggest that Rohit lacks ability or importance; rather, they reflect the reality that staying competitive at the highest level becomes more difficult with age.
Another factor is the emergence of young Indian batters who are constantly pushing for opportunities in the national team. Selectors are likely to reward players who consistently perform while meeting the physical demands of international cricket. Kohli has shown an ability to adapt his game and maintain elite standards, whereas Rohit may need to demonstrate continued fitness and form over the next few years.
Ultimately, both players remain invaluable to Indian cricket. However, Karim believes Kohli’s current consistency and fitness make him a near-certain candidate for India’s future plans, while Rohit will need to continue proving himself through strong performances and sustained commitment heading toward the 2027 World Cup.



