Project World Cup 2027: Big challenges ahead for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja’s future

File photo of India’s Ravindra Jadeja with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. (PTI Photo) New Delhi: India’s men’s senior selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, will meet on May 19 to select the squads for the one-off Test and ODI against Afghanistan, while the plan for the 2027 ODI World Cup will also be discussed. Discussions on key issues – fitness, form and an identified player base for the multinational event – are expected to feed into Shubman Gill-led squad formation for the three ODIs from June 14th.Discussions on the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are also on the agenda as the team management looks to put an end to all speculation, starting with the Afghanistan series. Voters have already made it clear that there will be no compromise on fitness standards, with strict measures to continue. In addition to fitness, relevance is also expected to be a key consideration. There can be serious discussions about Ravindra Jadeja’s place here. While he enjoys the support of the men who matter, the all-rounder will need to punch above his weight to stay in contention for the World Cup.Kohli has been a giant of the format and his recent outings have ensured that no one thinks about his position.Rohit thus remains on the stickiest wicket among the three legends. Struggling with a hamstring, the former captain has not set the white-ball stage on fire in recent months and his days in the Indian team are numbered, if not over.

Rohit Sharma (Getty Images)

Apart from these three stalwarts, the selectors are also expected to seek clarity on Hardik Pandya’s workload while bowling in the 50-over format. While the all-rounder has bowled regularly in the IPL, he last played an ODI in March 2025.The management also wants to give time to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s game to keep him in contention. The 22-year-old is likely to be part of the plans to tour Ireland and England, given his improved bowling performance in the IPL.May 19 could prove to be a big day for Indian cricket, with the focus not only on selections for the Afghanistan series but also on the challenges of the FIFA World Cup. From now on, every game will be an opportunity to complete the ideal combination and the selectors don’t seem to be in the mood to hand out gifts. The message is loud and clear – there’s no looking back now.