Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra feels that the forthcoming 2023 ODI World Cup in India could be the final one for the Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli given that it’s too far for him to be available up until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli, who has already won the tournament in 2011, is set to make his fourth consecutive appearance in the marquee event.
Virat Kohli’s career will be in its twilight phase during the 2027 ODI World Cup. Despite being one of the fittest cricketers of his generation, it may be difficult for the former Indian captain to remain a part of the Indian cricket team due to the emergence of new talents in the country.
Moreover, the Indian management is looking for a transition phase in white-ball cricket after the completion of the World Cup in 2023.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra feels only a few of the current players would be part of the India squad for the 2027 World Cup, asserting that it could be difficult for the prolific Indian batter Virat Kohli to make it into the next edition of the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia respectively.
“I think Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, and maybe Jasprit Bumrah. That’s all I can think of (the 2027 World Cup). Never say never with Virat Kohli, especially given his fitness standards. However, it may be a bit too far and this may be his last ODI World Cup,” Aakash Chopra said.
Virat Kohli came into the 2011 edition of the competition as a youngster who has shown prowess in the Under-19 and domestic cricket and has established himself as one of the modern-day greats putting up an impressive show for the Indian team over the last decade or so and would be crucial for the team’s chances in the 2023 World Cup.
Look I Don’t Think Shikhar Dhawan Did Much Wrong To Miss Out – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra feels that Indian veteran Shikhar Dhawan was unfortunate to miss out on the marquee event in India having performed consistently for the team in the ODI format of the game. He believes that the team has preferred to go with Shubman Gill, who has been exceptional with the bat for the team in his short cricketing career.
“Look I don’t think Dhawan did much wrong to miss out. It is just about someone else performing so much better that it is impossible to ignore. They have decided that Shubman Gill is the present and the future of Indian cricket and sometimes that’s the price someone else has to pay. So a bit unfortunate for Dhawan,” Aakash Chopra added.
Shikhar Dhawan averaged only 34.40 and achieved a strike rate of 74.21 in 2022 which led to his omission from the Indian side. The left-handed opener last played for Men in Blue in December 2022 against Bangladesh. In his place, Shubman Gill made an immediate impact with some impressive performances for the team in 2023.