No guarantee that Kohli and Rohit will be there for next World Cup: AB de Villiers

08-Oct-2025

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Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers has made a big claim that there’s no guarantee on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s participation in the ODI World Cup 2027. 

Both Rohit and Kohli are set to feature in the three-match ODI series against Australia, set to begin on October 19. 

Ahead of their return to the Indian team after a seven-month gap, there have been questions about their future as the team management is looking to give opportunities to young players in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Recently, AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on the future of Kohli and Rohit, stating that there is no guarantee of their appearance in the next edition of the mega event. He mentioned that the selectors’ decision to hand over the captaincy to Gill is a strong indication that the Indian management is moving on from Kohli and Rohit.

"It’s not a guarantee both of them will be there for that next World Cup. That’s maybe part of the thinking when they made Shubman Gill the ODI captain. He has a good chance of being there, young gun, in incredible form and a fantastic leader. I think this was the right move, to still have Rohit and Virat. Shubman Gill will learn from two of the most experienced Indian players of all time, high quality, legendary players. It will be fantastic for Shubman to have them around. It will be for the tour which is around the corner actually. So, we will be bucking up for some high-entertainment and a great series," De Villiers said on his Youtube Channel.