The question of how long Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India's two modern legends, can keep playing has been a hot topic in 2025. After they decided to retire from Test matches in May to focus on ODIs, everyone's been wondering if they can stay at the top of their game. With fewer 50-over matches these days, can they really keep up their best performance until the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia?
Amit Mishra, the former Indian spinner, is all for bringing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli into the 2027 plans.
Here’s why Mishra thinks the Ro-Ko combo is still needed for India to win the World Cup, even though they're not getting any younger.
By the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, Rohit Sharma will have crossed into his 40s, and Virat Kohli will be in his late 30s. In a sport increasingly dominated by youth and athleticism, these numbers raise valid concerns about reflexes and fitness. However, Amit Mishra argues that what they might lose in raw youthful energy, they more than make up for in an area that cannot be coached: handling immense pressure. Speaking to ANI, Mishra highlighted that while form might fluctuate in bilateral series, World Cups are a different beast altogether. They should be in the team... In big tournaments, you will need these big players. They know how to handle pressure; they can apply pressure to other teams as well. Nobody can handle pressure as well as they can, and nobody is better suited to teach the same to youngsters. Mishra, who took 156 international wickets for India, emphasized their role not just as run-scorers, but as mentors. With the leadership baton passed to a young captain in Shubman Gill, the presence of two former captains in the dressing room to offer real-time inputs and guidance is invaluable. They are the stabilizers when the going gets tough in a knockout game.
The biggest counter-argument to their selection is the lack of game time. With ODIs taking a backseat in the international calendar compared to T20 leagues and Test cricket, there are fears that their aging bodies might not cope with the sudden intensity of a long tournament if they aren't playing regularly. Yet, Rohit and Virat silenced many critics with their performances on the field in 2025. Despite being ODI-exclusive players, they ended the year as India's top two run-getters in the format.
These numbers prove that when they do take the field, they are still arguably the best in the business.
While Mishra is a strong advocate for their inclusion, he offered a crucial reality check. He insisted that their selection cannot be based solely on their past glories or the weight of their names. They must continue to perform and have an impact. One should not be a senior just because of their name; they should also perform. I am not saying they will score centuries in every match, but the impact should continue to be consistent. When such players are on the team, there is always pressure on the other team, as they will know that these two can change things easily, Mishra added.
It’s the aura they carry the psychological edge India gains just by having their names on the team sheet that Mishra values, provided they are still contributing valuable runs.
How do two veterans stay sharp for international cricket when they only play one format irregularly?
Following a brilliant century against South Africa recently, Virat Kohli offered insight into his process, suggesting he is no longer a big believer in a lot of preparation and that at this stage of his career, all his cricket has been mental. Amit Mishra, however, believes that while the mental side is crucial, physical rhythm is equally important for older players. He strongly advocates for them to play domestic cricket to keep their bodies conditioned. The more you play, the better your body is and the more mentally stronger you are... It is important that your rhythm does not get spoiled and that your body is in the right condition. You will also get the right amount of match practice. Mishra suggested a balanced approach playing two or three matches in domestic league stages and resting for others just to stay in the groove.
The road to 2027 is long, but the preparation is immediate. Paying heed to the need for match practice, both legends are set to feature in India's premier domestic 50-over competition, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins this Wednesday. Rohit will turn out for Mumbai, and Virat will represent Delhi. Their willingness to grind in domestic cricket shows their commitment to the 2027 goal. As Amit Mishra suggests, as long as the hunger is there and the bats are doing the talking, Indian cricket needs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for one last grand campaign.
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