Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock has said the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup could represent the final chapter for India's batting greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while tipping co-hosts South Africa as genuine title contenders for the tournament to be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from 2 October to 21 November 2027.

Pollock on the Twilight of an Era

Pollock pointed to the tournament as a stage where legends of the 50-over format could sign off in style. 'I think it's also going to be a swan song for him (Rohit) and a couple of players,' he said. 'This Cricket World Cup could be their last swan song, players like Virat Kohli, Mitchell Starc, who have been unbelievable servants for One-Day International games. So that's the excitement, as this is a stage for those guys for the last time to show how good they are,' Pollock was quoted as saying by the ICC.

Notably, if both Rohit and Kohli feature in the 2027 edition, they will be 40 and 38 years old respectively — underlining just how much the tournament could serve as a generational farewell for Indian cricket's most celebrated batting partnership.

Lara Backs South Africa, Warns on West Indies

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara expressed confidence in the Proteas capitalising on home advantage after a gap of 24 years since they last hosted an ODI World Cup. 'South Africa hosting after 24 years, I fancy them this time around. I think they are going to be my No.1 team. It's a great format. I believe getting as many teams as possible is good,' Lara said, also praising the revamped 14-team format.

Lara, however, cautioned against dismissing the two-time champions from the Caribbean. 'Don't rule out the West Indies rolling through the qualifiers, getting in there and causing some chaos,' he added.

Fixture Highlights: India vs Pakistan on 10 October

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch highlighted the marquee India vs Pakistan clash, scheduled for 10 October in Johannesburg, as a fixture that transcends cricket. 'It's just a great rivalry, and I love looking at that contest. The excitement, the energy, it's been a one-sided contest over the last couple of years, but that is something else to experience in person,' Finch said.

Pollock also noted the narrative appeal of South Africa's opening match against New Zealand, given the history between the sides at the T20 World Cup. 'I like some matchups initially. Australia against India first up and then from a South African perspective, first game against New Zealand after what they did to us at the T20 World Cup,' he remarked.

Ngidi Warns Against Underestimating Zimbabwe

South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi urged the cricketing world not to overlook co-hosts Zimbabwe, citing first-hand experience of their competitive quality. 'We witnessed first-hand. They (Zimbabwe) gave us a good run at the T20 World Cup, so you know that quality players can put you under pressure and you got to be on your mark pretty much most of the tournament,' Ngidi said.

With a spread of co-hosts, a star-studded farewell narrative, and a blockbuster fixture list, the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup is shaping up as one of the most anticipated editions of the tournament in recent memory — and the cricketing world will be watching closely to see whether legends like Rohit and Kohli can bow out on the grandest stage.