Sourav Ganguly Adds to Kohli-Rohit ODI Exit Speculation Ahead of 2027 World Cup: ‘Difficult to Say’

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has weighed in on speculation that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could play their final ODIs during India’s three-match series in Australia this October. A Dainik Jagran report suggested the series — the start of India’s build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup — might mark their ODI swansong, as the BCCI’s requirement for senior players to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy could influence their decision to retire.

Both Kohli and Rohit quit T20Is after India’s 2024 World Cup win and shocked fans by retiring from Test cricket within a week of each other earlier this year.

Asked about the ODI retirement chatter, Ganguly said he was unaware of such plans but stressed that form should dictate selection.

“It’s difficult to say. Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue. Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, so is Rohit’s. Both are exceptional in white-ball cricket,” he said at an AWL Agri Business Ltd event.

The ODI series in Australia begins October 19 with matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, followed by a home series against South Africa. In 2026, India’s ODI calendar includes series against New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, West Indies, and another against New Zealand.

On the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE, Ganguly backed India to retain the title:

“India are very strong in red-ball cricket, even stronger in white-ball cricket. On those good Dubai wickets, beating them will be very tough.”