David Warner on Virat Kohli playing 2027 World Cup: ‘If you have still got the hunger and the desire to keep playing…no reason why he can’t’

After scoring a couple of ducks in the first two ODIs in the series against Australia, Kohli, in the chase of 238 runs, scored an unbeaten 74 runs from 81 balls to take India home by nine wickets on Saturday in Sydney. With him alongside Rohit Sharma playing just this one format, there has been plenty of talk about whether they will be available to play at the 2027 World Cup. Former Australian cricketer David Warner said if Kohli has the hunger and desire, he cannot see why the 36-year-old cannot play.

“I think that’s a good question for Virat. If you have still got the hunger and the desire to keep playing, and he wants to play in 2027, and his mindset is there, there’s no reason why he can’t. He’s one of the fittest guys in the game along with being a great father and a husband. So for me, I’ve got no doubts he can make that. It’s whether or not he still has that passion to get up for training and for doing all the stuff that you have to get there. And I would never doubt that at all with his mindset,” Warner was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.

The Indian Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, after the win against West Indies, acknowledged that the 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away, and it is important to stay in the present when asked about Rohit and Kohli. “The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away. It is very important to stay in the present. Obviously, they are quality players. They are coming back. Their experience is going to be valuable in Australia. Hopefully, those two guys can have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we can have a successful series,” said Gambhir, addressing the press conference.

Indian Chief selector Ajit Agarkar while announcing the squad for the Australia series, said: I mean, that’s the format they are at the moment playing (Virat and Rohit). We picked them, but as far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned. I don’t think we need to talk about it today. Obviously, with the captaincy change, that’s generally the thought.