In a shocking development coming out of Indian Cricket, the star duo of ODI captain Rohit Sharma and batting great Virat Kohli have lost their rights to be an automatic choice in the 50-over format, especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The batting pair of Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from two formats (Tests and T20Is), only remains available for selection in the One-Dayers. Despite their credentials, history, and even considering their role in helping Indian cricket taste success at the top level, both will have to tick a few parameters to stay in contention for a spot in India’s WC squad.&nbsp;A Dainik Jagran report states that Virat and Rohit do not fit in BCCI’s plan for the next ODI World Cup, beginning more than two years later. Since both are in their late 30s and do not play more than just one format, the BCCI and the decision makers are concerned about them maintaining their fitness and form leading into the major ICC event. The report further states that for both to stay in line for a World Cup spot, they must feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, or the doors are likely closed.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-gautam-gambhir-shubman-gill-paid-no-heed-to-match-referee-threat-in-quest-for-oval-test-win-ind-vs-eng-2025-1754745371057">When Gambhir, Gill paid no heed to match referee’s threat in quest for Oval Test win</a> &nbsp;"Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma do not fit in our plans for the ODI World Cup 2027," the report quoted an Indian cricket team source as saying. &nbsp;There is more to it.&nbsp; &nbsp;The report also states that both were keen on playing the England Test series, but after learning about the selectors' plans, they decided to announce their Test retirements. &nbsp;However, with India’s next ODI assignment scheduled against Australia in October, Virat and Rohit could decide to hang up their boots around then, bringing curtains down on their respective international careers as both are unlikely to feature in the domestic tournaments.<h3>What is next for India’s ODI cricket? &nbsp;</h3>With all the onus on Virat, Rohit and their potential retirement calls, the BCCI seemed to have locked in newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor in the ODIs. Since his almost successful first stint as the Test skipper on the recently concluded England tour, the BCCI looks up to him as the long-term captain across formats.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s next white-ball assignment is the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled for a September 9 start in the UAE, to be played in the T20 format.&nbsp;

Since both are in their late 30s and do not play more than just one format, the BCCI and the decision makers are concerned about them maintaining their fitness and form leading into the major ICC event.

In a shocking development coming out of Indian Cricket, the star duo of ODI captain Rohit Sharma and batting great Virat Kohli have lost their rights to be an automatic choice in the 50-over format, especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The batting pair of Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from two formats (Tests and T20Is), only remains available for selection in the One-Dayers. Despite their credentials, history, and even considering their role in helping Indian cricket taste success at the top level, both will have to tick a few parameters to stay in contention for a spot in India’s WC squad. A Dainik Jagran report states that Virat and Rohit do not fit in BCCI’s plan for the next ODI World Cup, beginning more than two years later. Since both are in their late 30s and do not play more than just one format, the BCCI and the decision makers are concerned about them maintaining their fitness and form leading into the major ICC event. The report further states that for both to stay in line for a World Cup spot, they must feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, or the doors are likely closed. Also read | When Gambhir, Gill paid no heed to match referee’s threat in quest for Oval Test win "Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma do not fit in our plans for the ODI World Cup 2027," the report quoted an Indian cricket team source as saying. There is more to it. The report also states that both were keen on playing the England Test series, but after learning about the selectors' plans, they decided to announce their Test retirements. However, with India’s next ODI assignment scheduled against Australia in October, Virat and Rohit could decide to hang up their boots around then, bringing curtains down on their respective international careers as both are unlikely to feature in the domestic tournaments. What is next for India’s ODI cricket? With all the onus on Virat, Rohit and their potential retirement calls, the BCCI seemed to have locked in newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor in the ODIs. Since his almost successful first stint as the Test skipper on the recently concluded England tour, the BCCI looks up to him as the long-term captain across formats. Meanwhile, India’s next white-ball assignment is the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled for a September 9 start in the UAE, to be played in the T20 format.

Since both are in their late 30s and do not play more than just one format, the BCCI and the decision makers are concerned about them maintaining their fitness and form leading into the major ICC event.

End of the road for Virat and Rohit as batting pair do not fit in plans for 2027 ODI World Cup – Report

The ICC is funding Zimbabwe Cricket to construct a new multi-sport stadium near the scenic Victoria Falls, a tourist hotspot in the country. Per the latest reports, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently laid the foundation stone for a 10,000-seater cricket stadium, which, once ready, will be the most picturesque venue in the world.

Set to be named Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, this new ground will host several global events in 2026 and 2027, as Zimbabwe will co-host the 2026 Under-19 World Cup with Namibia, while South Africa will join the two nations in staging the 2027 ODI World Cup.

As reported by Cricbuzz, the government has allocated 10 hectares of land for this project, the construction cost of which will vary between $5 and $10 million. The ICC, however, said they will not provide any extra funding for any specific project beyond this.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/duleep-trophy-second-round-bcci-dodges-explanation-on-ishan-kishans-strange-inclusion-in-india-c-team-758096">Duleep Trophy second round: BCCI dodges explanation on Ishan Kishan’s ‘strange inclusion’ in India C team</a>

This newly-built stadium will be a multi-sport facility and host several sports like rugby, hockey and netball.

"The location of this stadium in this city will undoubtedly contribute to the speedy attainment of tourism sector targets and towards our national development aspirations as outlined in the National Development Strategy Vision 2030," President Mnangagwa said while laying the foundation stone.

<h2>Time for an upgrade</h2>

After admitting that their stadiums are not up to the international stature, President Mnangagwa vows to provide the fans with a world-class experience by putting in extra yards in preparation for this new stadium.

"As Zimbabwe Cricket, we are the first to admit that our stadiums are no longer adequate, we had to lock out some fans during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, but that's not what we want to do. We want to have as many people to access our grounds, and we want their experience to be awesome when they come into the grounds."

"So, work is already underway, and as you are aware, we will be co-hosting the 2027 men's World Cup, and before that, we are also hosting the next edition of the Under 19 World Cup together with Namibia, so these are massive tournaments and we are working to improve our facilities for more global tournaments," ZC media and communication manager Darlington Majonga was quoted in the Coliseum website as saying.

"Work is progressing very well, a lot of earthmoving has been happening. The levelling of the academy pitch and the main pitch is progressing very well. The facility has been fenced, a site establishment has also been done, boreholes have been drilled, and a water reservoir has also been established. There is good progress so far, we are impressed by what is on the ground," ZC managing director Givemore Makoni was quoted in an FB post recently.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket is undergoing its lowest phase. After failing to qualify for the 2019 and 2023 World Cup, Zimbabwe lost their 2024 T20 World Cup (in the Americas) spot to a far-lower-ranked team, Uganda. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The ICC is funding Zimbabwe Cricket to construct a new multi-sport stadium near the scenic Victoria Falls, a tourist hotspot in the country. Per the latest reports, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently laid the foundation stone for a 10,000-seater cricket stadium, which, once ready, will be the most picturesque venue in the world.

The ICC is funding Zimbabwe Cricket to construct a new multi-sport stadium near the scenic Victoria Falls, a tourist hotspot in the country. Per the latest reports, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently laid the foundation stone for a 10,000-seater cricket stadium, which, once ready, will be the most picturesque venue in the world. Set to be named Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, this new ground will host several global events in 2026 and 2027, as Zimbabwe will co-host the 2026 Under-19 World Cup with Namibia, while South Africa will join the two nations in staging the 2027 ODI World Cup. As reported by Cricbuzz, the government has allocated 10 hectares of land for this project, the construction cost of which will vary between $5 and $10 million. The ICC, however, said they will not provide any extra funding for any specific project beyond this. ALSO READ: Duleep Trophy second round: BCCI dodges explanation on Ishan Kishan’s ‘strange inclusion’ in India C team This newly-built stadium will be a multi-sport facility and host several sports like rugby, hockey and netball. "The location of this stadium in this city will undoubtedly contribute to the speedy attainment of tourism sector targets and towards our national development aspirations as outlined in the National Development Strategy Vision 2030," President Mnangagwa said while laying the foundation stone. Time for an upgrade After admitting that their stadiums are not up to the international stature, President Mnangagwa vows to provide the fans with a world-class experience by putting in extra yards in preparation for this new stadium. "As Zimbabwe Cricket, we are the first to admit that our stadiums are no longer adequate, we had to lock out some fans during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, but that's not what we want to do. We want to have as many people to access our grounds, and we want their experience to be awesome when they come into the grounds." "So, work is already underway, and as you are aware, we will be co-hosting the 2027 men's World Cup, and before that, we are also hosting the next edition of the Under 19 World Cup together with Namibia, so these are massive tournaments and we are working to improve our facilities for more global tournaments," ZC media and communication manager Darlington Majonga was quoted in the Coliseum website as saying. "Work is progressing very well, a lot of earthmoving has been happening. The levelling of the academy pitch and the main pitch is progressing very well. The facility has been fenced, a site establishment has also been done, boreholes have been drilled, and a water reservoir has also been established. There is good progress so far, we are impressed by what is on the ground," ZC managing director Givemore Makoni was quoted in an FB post recently. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket is undergoing its lowest phase. After failing to qualify for the 2019 and 2023 World Cup, Zimbabwe lost their 2024 T20 World Cup (in the Americas) spot to a far-lower-ranked team, Uganda. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC to fund Zimbabwe Cricket for construction of new multi-sport stadium near Victoria Falls

Former men’s team chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has bashed the idea of the current India ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma playing the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Newly-appointed India head coach Gautam Gambhir backed the star duo of Virat Kohli (35) and Rohit (37) to play the next ODI World Cup should they stay fit. However, Srikkanth said Rohit shouldn’t stretch beyond a certain point, as at 40, he would faint while playing in Africa.

Rohit and Kohli announced their T20I retirement following the World Cup-winning campaign in the Americas. Although Kohli’s fitness might help him get through the 2027 WC without much discomfort, Srikkanth feels Rohit, who will be 40 in three years, shouldn’t be playing the 50-over World Cup.

Chatting on his son&nbsp;Anirudh's&nbsp;YouTube channel, Srikkanth said,&nbsp;"Virat Kohli is a champion player. Rohit Sharma should not play in the 2027 World Cup. He will faint in South Africa."

"He [Rohit] is a good player, but his age is 37 presently, and the next ODI World Cup is three more years ahead. He will be 40 years old then. You can't play World Cup at the 40s. Yeah, Virat Kohli could play in the 2027 World Cup, in my opinion, for sure. But for Rohit, Mr Gambhir, you went overboard; he will faint in South Africa," the former India opener noted.

WATCH VIDEO -

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Virat Kohli is an absolute champion , Rohit Sharma shouldn’t play 2027 wc he will faint in South Africa 😭 - Krish Srikanth <a href="https://t.co/7y2vc9CGUv">pic.twitter.com/7y2vc9CGUv</a>
— ` (@kohlizype) <a href="https://twitter.com/kohlizype/status/1815978853107470636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Srikkanth thinks India must look for a new captain for the next ODI World Cup, with several contenders like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and even Jasprit Bumrah being available options.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, per BCCI secretary Jay Shah, Rohit will continue leading Team India in the upcoming two ICC events next year – the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the WTC Final at the Lord’s, should India qualify. However, per the current WTC Standings, Rohit’s Indian Team is placed first with a PCT of 68.52%.&nbsp;

<h2>Rohit returns&nbsp;for Sri Lanka ODIs</h2>

For the first time since beating South Africa in the T20 World Cup Final in Barbados, Rohit will return to the ODI side for the three-match series against Sri Lanka, starting August 1 in Colombo.

While ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are rested, Pandya has been just picked in T20Is, Virat also comes back to the squad for SL ODIs.&nbsp;

Before the ODIs, Team India will play three T20Is (all in Pallekele) starting July 27.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former men’s team chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has bashed the idea of the current India ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma playing the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Former men’s team chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has bashed the idea of the current India ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma playing the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Newly-appointed India head coach Gautam Gambhir backed the star duo of Virat Kohli (35) and Rohit (37) to play the next ODI World Cup should they stay fit. However, Srikkanth said Rohit shouldn’t stretch beyond a certain point, as at 40, he would faint while playing in Africa. Rohit and Kohli announced their T20I retirement following the World Cup-winning campaign in the Americas. Although Kohli’s fitness might help him get through the 2027 WC without much discomfort, Srikkanth feels Rohit, who will be 40 in three years, shouldn’t be playing the 50-over World Cup. Chatting on his son Anirudh's YouTube channel, Srikkanth said, "Virat Kohli is a champion player. Rohit Sharma should not play in the 2027 World Cup. He will faint in South Africa." "He [Rohit] is a good player, but his age is 37 presently, and the next ODI World Cup is three more years ahead. He will be 40 years old then. You can't play World Cup at the 40s. Yeah, Virat Kohli could play in the 2027 World Cup, in my opinion, for sure. But for Rohit, Mr Gambhir, you went overboard; he will faint in South Africa," the former India opener noted. WATCH VIDEO - Virat Kohli is an absolute champion , Rohit Sharma shouldn’t play 2027 wc he will faint in South Africa 😭 - Krish Srikanth pic.twitter.com/7y2vc9CGUv — ` (@kohlizype) July 24, 2024 × ALSO READ: IPL Auction: BCCI, team owners to meet on July 31 with player retentions, RTM on discussion agenda Srikkanth thinks India must look for a new captain for the next ODI World Cup, with several contenders like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and even Jasprit Bumrah being available options. Meanwhile, per BCCI secretary Jay Shah, Rohit will continue leading Team India in the upcoming two ICC events next year – the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the WTC Final at the Lord’s, should India qualify. However, per the current WTC Standings, Rohit’s Indian Team is placed first with a PCT of 68.52%. Rohit returns for Sri Lanka ODIs For the first time since beating South Africa in the T20 World Cup Final in Barbados, Rohit will return to the ODI side for the three-match series against Sri Lanka, starting August 1 in Colombo. While ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are rested, Pandya has been just picked in T20Is, Virat also comes back to the squad for SL ODIs. Before the ODIs, Team India will play three T20Is (all in Pallekele) starting July 27. (With inputs from agencies)

‘He will faint in South Africa...’ – Ex-India selector discards Rohit’s chances of playing 2027 ODI World Cup