'Never write them off': Former cricketer backs Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to push for 2027 ODI World Cup

Australian cricket great Ricky Ponting believes Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are trying to continue till the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket last year and now only play ODI cricket for India. Apart from international matches, most of their cricket now comes in the IPL.

Ponting, who led Australia to ODI World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, said experienced players like Kohli and Rohit should never be written off.




"I can see them pushing ahead and trying to get there. One thing I've always said about champion players is you never say no. You never write them off," Ponting, who is the head coach of Punjab Kings, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Ponting also praised Kohli’s performances in IPL 2026 and Rohit’s fitness levels this season.

"Virat's been a good example of that again through this IPL. He's not playing as much international cricket as he once was, but that determination and want to win is still there. Rohit Sharma has turned up at this IPL in better physical condition than I've seen him probably in about 10 or 12 years.

"So the passion is still there for those guys to push on and make themselves the best players they can be. So like I said, you never say never," he added.


Kohli has scored 542 runs in 13 matches in IPL 2026, including one century. Rohit, who returned after recovering from a hamstring injury, has mostly played as an impact player for Mumbai Indians. He has scored 283 runs in eight matches, including two half-centuries.

Both Kohli and Rohit have maintained strike rates above 160 this season.

On Tuesday, both players were included in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan national cricket team starting June 14. Rohit’s selection was subject to fitness because of his hamstring issue.

The selectors are expected to take a final call on their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup closer to the tournament, depending on their form and fitness.

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