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 World Cup

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 anticipates a difficult road ahead for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma concerning their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ganguly suggests that maintaining peak fitness and securing their places in the squad will be a significant challenge, given the limited opportunities for international play in the intervening years.

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, and Sharma will be nearing 40.

India has 27 ODIs planned across nine bilateral series leading up to the World Cup. This translates to approximately 15 international games per year for both players.

"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," he added.

Kohli and Sharma, with a combined total of 25,000 runs and 83 international centuries, have both voiced their ambition to compete in the 50-over global event, especially after their recent retirements from Test cricket.

When asked about any advice he might offer them, Ganguly stated, "I have got no advice. I think they know the game as much I do. They will take a call."

Ganguly acknowledged that replacing Kohli would be a time-consuming process but expressed optimism regarding the future of Indian cricket after their eventual departures.

"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.

Turning his attention to former player Yuvraj Singh, Ganguly lauded his outstanding 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.