Chetan Sharma backs Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup, says age should not be a barrier

Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has supported Virat Kohli and believes Kohli should consider participating in the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup if he stays fit and is in form.

Speaking in an interview, Sharma said, “If Virat Kohli is fit, then why shouldn’t he play in the 2027 World Cup? Look, age is just a number. If the selectors believe that a player is fit and Virat himself feels that his body is fine, then he should definitely play.”

Kohli, who will be 39 at the time of the 2027 edition, continues to be one of the best ODI run-scorers in ODI cricket history. As of August 2025, he has amassed over 14,000 ODI runs at an average of nearly 58 with 51 centuries, which is second to Sachin Tendulkar. He has exhibited his ability and hunger for the game with some match-winning innings in the last two years, including during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Sharma stressed that the final call will depend on Kohli’s own assessment of his body and mindset. “Virat knows himself better than anyone. He will only take the field if he is sure he can win matches for India,” he added.

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Chetan Sharma Sees No Age Barrier for Kohli’s 2027 World Cup Dream

The former selector also highlighted the importance of balancing experience with youth. While the 2027 World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, could be a platform for the next generation of Indian cricketers, Sharma believes the presence of a seasoned campaigner like Kohli could be invaluable in high-pressure situations.

India’s selectors will face tough decisions in the coming years, especially with limited ODI fixtures on the calendar. Form, fitness, and team combination will all play key roles in determining whether Kohli gets one final shot at World Cup glory.

For now, the message from Chetan Sharma is clear – if the body holds up and the runs keep coming, there’s no reason to rule Virat Kohli out of the 2027 World Cup. After all, in cricket, as Sharma puts it, “age is just a number.”