Travis Head turns playfully to Axar Patel after claiming ‘Kohli, Rohit will play till 2027 World Cup’; the all-rounder grins

Travis Head feels both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would be playing for India in the 2027 ODI World Cup despite them nearing the 40s. Head made the big claim amid doubts over their future ahead of the three-match India vs Australia ODI series that starts in Perth on 19 October.

It will be the first ODI series under new captain Shubman Gill, who recently replaced Rohit as the skipper. Rohit would be 40 by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup starts and Kohli would be 38. Both have retired from Tests and T20Is and it has been felt that the Australia tour can be their farewell series.

Head’s playful look at Axar catches fans’ attention

Head was asked about the Australia tour being Rohit and Kohli’s farewell tour Down Under, on Thursday, while speaking to the media alongside Axar Patel. Head praised Kohli and Rohit and predicted that they would be playing in the 2027 World Cup, but what caught fans’ attention was his playful look at Axar while making the claim.

“They have been awesome for India, I guess Axar can speak more highly about them than myself. But two quality players, two of the best white-ball players. Virat is probably the greatest white-ball player. Rohit is not that far behind,” Head told reporters.

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“Someone who opens the batting. I have huge regard for what Rohit has been able to do. I am sure they will be missed at some stage, but I think they both are going until 2027 (looks at Axar Patel and the all-rounder smiles). They both are trying to get to the World Cup. It is great for the game that they are still playing,” he added.

Travis Head: They both are white ball greats. Probably Virat Kohli is the greatest white-ball player and Rohit Sharma is not far behind. I hope they both are going to play 2027 World Cup. It will be great for the game.

pic.twitter.com/ktmugNlc9T

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) October 17, 2025

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Meanwhile, Axar added that despite not playing international cricket since March 2025, Rohit and Kohli are ready for the ODI series and have been preparing well for the tournament.

“They are world-class players. They know what to do, and they are ready to go. They are professionals and they know what to do. They are ready to go,” Axar Patel said.

“If you speak about their form, they have been preparing well, hence I think they are ready. Everyone has given their fitness Test, they are raring to go now,” he added.