BCCI tight-lipped on Rohit, Virat’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans:Devajit Saikia says, ‘There are regular conversations taking place…’

The future of two stalwarts of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup remains a big bone of contention for the BCCI. Speaking to PTI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia hinted that the board is speaking to both of them, but refused to reveal details of the conversations. Rohit Sharma is 39, while Virat Kohli is 37. Rohit recently surpassed Mohinder Amarnath to become the oldest Indian to play in an ODI fixture. On multiple occasions, both Rohit and Virat have said publicly that they hope to continue playing till the next World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. During a recent podcast shot during IPL 2026, Virat hinted that he is willing to play till the next World Cup. Both players have retired from Tests and T20Is, but continue to play ODIs. The big question is whether BCCI is willing to give them a longer rope, and the board continue to remain tight-lipped on the issue. What Devajit Saikia said on RoKo’s 2027 World Cup plans? Saikia insisted that conversations are indeed taking place with all stakeholders, but insists strategic conversations regarding senior players – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – remain within the boardroom. “As the head of the board, we have a very well-knit team and a lot of experts. All stakeholders are taken on board. Whatever decisions are made involve the cricket committee, the selectors and all other stakeholders, including the support staff, the head coach and the players concerned. There are regular conversations taking place,” said Saikia. He continued, “For that reason, we do not need any special session of interaction. This is an ongoing process. Further, I do not think I should disclose anything before the media or the public because these are strategic discussions. I am not authorised to speak about them before the media. Secondly, these are matters that should remain within the boardroom.” What next for Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli? Both Rohit and Virat have shown willingness to commit themselves to coach Gautam Gambhir’s plans. They helped the team win the Champions Trophy last year, and have been working on their fitness when out of action. During the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan, Rohit has scored 16 and 48 in the first two matches, while Virat remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Kohli is recovering full fitness and should be in line to play his first ODI match in 6 months against England during the upcoming 3-match ODI series in July.