Dasgupta Warns Kohli, Rohit on World Cup Form

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain two of the most decorated batters in ODI history, their career numbers placing them firmly among the format’s finest. Even so, questions persist about whether either man will feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have both noted that the pair see the tournament as a fitting way to close out their international careers, but neither official has committed to guaranteeing their spots.

Mixed Form in England Series

The uncertainty comes on the back of a mixed run against England, where India lost the ODI series 1-2. Rohit answered some of his critics by striking his 34th ODI hundred in the decisive third match, a knock that came after speculation swirled about whether it might be his last outing for the country. Kohli, for his part, managed two half-centuries across the series. Both, however, endured rough starts in the series opener, a pattern that has drawn scrutiny from former players.

Dasgupta’s Blunt Message

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta was direct in his assessment, stressing that neither Kohli nor Rohit can afford the luxury of easing into rhythm over a game or two once the World Cup begins. He argued that both batters need to be firing from their very first outing, given the pressure and scrutiny already surrounding their places in the squad. Dasgupta added that conversations about their World Cup futures ought to be shaped purely by performances on the field, not by speculation off it — a reminder that, however storied their careers, form remains the only currency that matters as the tournament nears.