“Absolutely Possible”: Morkel Backs Rohit And Kohli For 2027 World Cup, Fitness Permitting
Morne Morkel says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can play in the 2027 World Cup if they maintain fitness.
India Bowling Coach Morne Morkel has thrown his full support behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, insisting that both veterans still have plenty to offer provided they remain hungry and physically capable. Speaking ahead of the three-match ODI series against South Africa starting Sunday, Morkel addressed the burning question about the duo’s white-ball future after their recent retirements from Tests and T20Is.
“For sure, if they maintain their fitness and they physically feel their bodies can still do it—both mentally and physically—why not?” Morkel said. “They are two of the greatest players the game has ever seen. The experience they bring to the dressing room, the calmness under pressure, the way they handle big moments—that’s priceless for the younger guys coming through.”
Rohit (38) and Kohli (37) have already called time on their red-ball careers following India’s 0-2 home Test series loss to South Africa, with Rohit stepping down as captain and Kohli citing workload management. Both, however, confirmed they will continue in ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup—to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia—firmly in their sights.
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Morkel pointed to Kohli’s unmatched ODI record (13,906 runs at 58.30 with 50 hundreds) and Rohit’s explosive form at the top (11,046 runs at 49.75 with 31 centuries) as evidence that age is just a number. “Look at the way Virat batted in the 2023 World Cup—Player of the Tournament at 35. Rohit scored three hundreds in that tournament as captain. If they still have that fire, they can absolutely go all the way to 2027,” the former South Africa pacer added.
With Shubman Gill taking over Test captaincy and KL Rahul leading in the ongoing Champions Trophy cycle, the selectors have indicated Rohit and Kohli will be managed carefully in the 50-over format—selective bilateral series and full commitment to ICC events. Morkel confirmed both will play the full South Africa ODI series starting in Johannesburg on Sunday, using it as a platform to stake their claim for the next two years.
As India begins its post-Rohit-Kohli transition in Tests, the ODI setup appears willing to bank on the proven match-winners for one final push at global glory. If fitness and form hold, the 2027 World Cup could yet witness the iconic pair walking out together in Indian colors one last time.
