Rohit Sharma Clarifies ‘World Cup’ Remark, Reflects on Emotional Hug with Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma is preparing for what is expected to be his final ODI World Cup, with India heading to South Africa for the 2027 tournament. Virat Kohli is also likely to be part of the squad. While both players have multiple ICC trophies in white-ball cricket, the ODI World Cup remains the one major prize they have yet to win together—a goal that has become a top priority following India’s heartbreak at the 2023 World Cup at home.

Recent performances suggest Ro-Ko are in prime form. Kohli scored 302 runs in a three-match ODI series against South Africa, while Rohit recorded a fifty and a century in Australia, followed by another fifty against the Proteas. With runs flowing consistently and both players ranked highly in the latest ICC standings, they appear ready to lead India at the 2027 World Cup.

Having debuted as young talents and grown into legends, Rohit and Kohli have experienced their share of setbacks. India endured a 10-year ICC trophy drought despite several close calls, ending only in June 2024 with a T20 World Cup victory in Rohit and Kohli’s final T20I match. The emotional hug the pair shared after the final in Barbados reflected the significance of the achievement. Today, both have retired from Tests and T20Is, focusing only on ODIs and the IPL, but Rohit still treasures that moment with Kohli.

On his bond with Kohli, Rohit told the ICC:

“There was so much riding on both of us to take the team through. Being the two senior-most players, we had played a lot together and seen many setbacks, especially in World Cups. We’ve been through it all together.”

Rohit also made it clear that the 2027 ODI World Cup is a major target: “Both of us knew it would be our last 50-over World Cup, which makes it even more special.”

By the 2027 tournament, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39. With both now playing only ODIs and the IPL, they have sufficient time to manage their workload and remain fresh for major competitions, including the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy in December-January.