2027 ODI World Cup: Sourav Ganguly makes a big statement on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future - 'won't be easy'

Ganguly Foresees Fitness Challenges for Kohli and Sharma in 2027 ODI World Cup Bid

Dubai: India's Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final cricket match between India and Australia, in Dubai, UAE. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) *** Local Caption ***

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has raised concerns about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the context of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ganguly believes that maintaining peak fitness and securing their places in the Indian squad will be a significant challenge for the two star players.

The next ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. By the time the tournament arrives, Kohli will be 38 years old, while Sharma will be nearing 40.

Limited Playing Opportunities

Ganguly highlighted the limited opportunities for both players to prove their form and fitness. India has 27 ODIs scheduled across nine bilateral series before the World Cup, which translates to approximately 15 international games per year for each player.

"All of us must understand, just like everyone, the game will go away from them and they will go away from the game," Ganguly told PTI. "It won't be easy, with 15 games a year."

Kohli and Sharma, with a combined tally of 25,000 runs and 83 international centuries, have both expressed their desire to participate in the 50-over global event after retiring from Test cricket.

When asked if he had any advice for them, Ganguly responded, "I have got no advice. I think they know the game as much I do. They will take a call."

Future of Indian Cricket

Ganguly acknowledged that finding a suitable replacement for Kohli would require time. However, he expressed confidence in the future of Indian cricket following the eventual retirement of these legends.

"I was not concerned at all. Virat is a class player. Finding his replacement will take time. But the rest, I wasn't surprised," he stated.

Yuvraj Singh's Career

Speaking about former player Yuvraj Singh, Ganguly praised his exceptional career in white-ball cricket, while also acknowledging his limited opportunities in Test matches.

"I remember seeing Yuvraj for the first time in Nairobi and saw that he is special. What he went on to do for India after that in one-day cricket is unreal. He was 2007 World T20 player of the series, 2011 World Cup, player of the series, runs, wickets fielding, he was special," Ganguly recalled.

"Unfortunately he did not get many opportunities in Test matches. He played about 30 odd Test matches, he got stuck between Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and VVS Laxman, but a special player," he concluded.