Will Virat Kohli feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup? Examining the odds

With the next mega international event, the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, on the horizon, many have wondered about the inclusion of (or exclusion) of Virat Kohli from India’s 50-over team. Kohli is still doing the business at 36 and counting, but with India moving on from a golden era and a slew of fresh faces emerging as new stars, it will be interesting to see if he remains a part of the tournament set for 2027. Here are some more details on the odds and what they mean.

What selectors and insiders indicate about Virat Kohli’s future

The signs coming from the Indian cricket setup, however, seem somewhat mixed. The good: Shubman Gill appointed as ODI captain. This (alongside two more lower-profile decisions) is world-beating stuff. However, Gill has claimed that the team “needs” the 2027 World Cup Kohli and fellow senior Rohit Sharma for the 2027 World Cup.

 

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Other former selectors, including Kris Srikkanth, have also showered praise on Kohli for being in top form, and one selector has almost suggested that he should be treated as a “given” for the team, fitness and current form permitting. Yet there are more cautious voices on the selection committee. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar made headlines recently when he said that senior players assuming automatic slots is “silly” and that only performance will dictate selection or not.

The message, therefore, is clear: while there’s definitely room for Kohli in the 2027 setup, his inclusion is not guaranteed. The selectors appear to be balancing respect for experience with a strong push toward grooming the next generation.

What Virat Kohli must do to secure his 2027 World Cup spot

There would be a permanent sword suspended over Virat Kohli’s performance/fitness over the next two years. Having endured a minor dip during the recently concluded Australia series, where the runs dried up for a while, he responded with an assured 74 not out in the third ODI, a clear reiteration that class is permanent and form ephemeral. But this retention matters because consistency will be crucial, especially as India’s younger batsmen continue to perform well both domestically and internationally.

Fitness and workload management are inherently going to be a huge part of his game as Kohli will be nearly 38 during the 2027 World Cup. However, many cricketing pundits feel that his experience and temperament will still be a huge benefit in pressure-cooking tournaments, especially if he serves in a mentor-like capacity to younger players.