Ricky Ponting refuses to rule out Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup: ‘Never say never’

Ricky Ponting has added his voice to the ongoing debate around Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket

Published on: May 22, 2026, 06:05:54 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are again at the centre of talk around India’s ODI setup for the 2027 World Cup. Both of them have made it clear in the past that they would like to be part of one more World Cup cycle, but there is still no clarity on whether the team management and BCCI are fully on the same page about it.

Where do you think Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma will go after retirement? (Star Sports India)

Kohli was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad under MS Dhoni, while Rohit is still without that trophy despite being part of several campaigns since then. Both have now stepped away from Test cricket and are only active in the white-ball format, which makes their game time heavily dependent on ODIs and the IPL.

Ricky Ponting has added his voice to the ongoing debate around Kohli and Rohit's future in international cricket, backing the experienced duo to keep pushing for a spot in India’s 2027 World Cup plans.

"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, the head coach of Punjab Kings in the IPL, told PTI.

Ponting doubled down on his belief that the Indian duo still have plenty to offer at the highest level, pointing to their performances and mindset in the ongoing IPL as clear evidence that age has not dimmed their competitive edge.

"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," added the Australian icon.

Also Read - David Warner hints at dramatic SRH playoff script with bold prediction, makes big Virat Kohli call too

Virat Kohli still dominating in IPL

In the ongoing IPL season, Kohli has looked in good touch again and is right up there among the top run-getters, even in the Orange Cap race. Rohit has had a more uneven run, with a couple of strong innings mixed with low scores, and that inconsistency has kept the discussion going around his future at that level. With more than a year still left for the 2027 World Cup, nothing is final yet, but every series and IPL season from here on is likely to be closely watched when it comes to these two senior players.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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