# Rohit and Kohli set sights on 2027 ODI World Cup

2026-09-26T19:26:42+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

Virat Kohli has declared that the 2027 ODI World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21, will be his last for India. Speaking to JioStar, Kohli said he is ready to do 'whatever it takes' to win the title and plans to play with greater freedom. The 37-year-old has scored 14,941 runs in 314 ODIs at an average of 58.59 with 54 centuries. Rohit Sharma, 39, also said he has 'unfinished business' in ODIs and is looking forward to the 2027 World Cup. The New Indian Express reports that Rohit's form and place have been questioned recently, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly resigning, though the BCCI has not confirmed. Times of India notes that both players have narrowed their focus to ODIs only, and bowling coach Morne Morkel said the team is fortunate to have their experience. India face West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The sources uniformly report the players' own statements without taking sides, making this a straight news story. The New Indian Express adds a layer of context around Rohit's recent form and selection questions, while the other outlets focus on the players' ambitions. The key distinction is that only The New Indian Express mentions Ajit Agarkar's reported resignation as a factor in Rohit's future. For readers, the immediate concrete event to watch is the three-match ODI series starting Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram, where Rohit's performance will be scrutinised.

## Coverage

- sports.ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-drops-massive-statement-on-2027-world-cup-amid-selection-speculation-unfinished-business-12101133#publisher=newsstand>
  Leads with Kohli's declaration, no slant
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-west-indies/rohit-sharma-and-virat-kohli-the-rolling-stones-of-indian-cricket-still-have-one-more-song/articleshow/134506100.cms>
  Straight report with colourful analogy but no opinion on facts
- sports.ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/its-the-last-world-cup-virat-kohli-reveals-ultimate-motivation-to-win-in-2027-12101089#publisher=newsstand>
  Leads with Kohli's declaration, no slant
- gulfnews.com (neutral report) <https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/virat-kohli-targets-final-world-cup-glory-with-india-in-2027-1.500688785>
  Quotes Kohli directly, adds stats without comment
- newindianexpress.com (neutral report) <https://www.newindianexpress.com/cricket/2026/Sep/26/india-vs-west-indies-focus-firmly-remains-on-rohit-sharma>
  Adds context on Rohit's form and selection, but reports facts neutrally

Tags: ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, India, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
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