Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and Australian cricketing great Ricky Ponting have weighed in on the future of Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, saying “only time will tell” whether the duo will feature in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027.
Rohit and Kohli, who retired from Tests and T20Is in the last 18 months, currently play only in the 50-over format. The pair made their first international appearance since the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this March, contributing modest returns against Australia in Perth on Sunday.
Speaking to The ICC Review, Shastri said, “When you come back from a long layoff, you are obviously going to be rusty. It’s not easy for any overseas team to land in Australia two days before a game in Perth and adjust to those conditions straight away, especially against quality fast bowlers. But I think only time will tell. They’ll go to Adelaide, get some practice in, and get back into action.”
He added, “I’m in no hurry to judge. When players come back at this stage of their careers, it’s about how much they enjoy the sport, how much hunger and passion remain. If two out of these three boxes are ticked—especially enjoyment—you can give them time. They have class and experience, and a little time will sort things out.”
Ponting echoed Shastri’s sentiments, particularly highlighting Kohli’s approach. “The one thing I don’t like hearing from anyone is that ‘I’ve achieved everything in the game’. Players need short-term goals, not just waiting for the 2027 World Cup. Virat is highly motivated and will likely focus on achievable targets in this Australian tour, rather than biding time,” he said.
Ponting said that at their best, both Rohit and Kohli remain vital to India’s side. “Whether they can find their peak form before the World Cup is something only time will tell. They’ll get good batting wickets in the coming weeks in Australia—Adelaide Oval is a great venue for one-day cricket,” he added.
“Finding rhythm and tempo after a break takes time. But I expect both to bounce back quickly. These two are champion players; you don’t write them off. They have the experience and ability to contribute and win games. If they do that, they are likely to be in the 2027 World Cup squad,” Ponting concluded.
–IANS