3 oldest stars likely to feature at 2027 ODI World Cup

Veteran Stars Could Shape the 2027 ODI World Cup

The 2027 ODI World Cup is still a long way off, but the conversation around experience is already heating up. With South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia set to co-host the tournament, several senior cricketers could still be around to leave one more mark on the biggest 50-over stage.

Age has never fully defined modern cricket careers, especially for players whose value goes beyond numbers alone. Form, fitness and role clarity will decide who makes the cut, but a few seasoned names already stand out as possible participants in 2027.

Here are three of the oldest players who could feature at the tournament, and why their presence would still matter.

3. Rohit Sharma: India’s veteran anchor

Rohit Sharma remains one of the most compelling names in this discussion. The India batter, who has already retired from T20Is and Tests, continues to be available only for ODIs and has made it clear that he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup.

At 39 years old as of October 2026, Rohit will be 40 when the tournament begins. That would make him one of the oldest players in India’s squad if selected, but his recent form shows why he still belongs in the conversation.

Rohit struck a brilliant 138 off 110 balls against England at Lord’s on July 19, 2026, before following it up with another commanding effort against the West Indies. In Guwahati, he scored 101 and brought up his 35th ODI hundred, while also crossing 12,000 career runs in the format.

His World Cup record is equally important. Rohit has already featured in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions, giving India a rare blend of batting class and tournament know-how.

“Experience still wins pressure moments, and Rohit has proved he can deliver when the spotlight is brightest.”

2. Mohammad Nabi: Afghanistan’s trusted all-rounder

Mohammad Nabi has been one of Afghanistan’s most durable and influential cricketers. Born on January 1, 1985, he will turn 42 in 2027 and could be among the oldest players at the tournament if selected.

Nabi’s value lies in his all-round balance. He is a right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner, a combination that has made him a central figure in Afghanistan’s rise on the world stage.

He made his ODI debut against Scotland in April 2009 and has remained a dependable presence ever since. His most recent ODI appearance came against India in Chennai on June 20, 2026, and he continued to play T20I cricket during the same year.

For Afghanistan, Nabi’s experience has always been as important as his skill. He has been part of multiple World Cup campaigns and brings calm under pressure, especially in games where small contributions can decide big outcomes.

Why Nabi still matters

His role may not always grab headlines, but it remains valuable. A senior all-rounder who can bat in the middle order and bowl useful overs gives any side tactical flexibility, especially in a global tournament where conditions change quickly.

If he is fit and selected, Nabi could again be a difference-maker for Afghanistan in 2027.

1. Roelof van der Merwe: Netherlands’ likely veteran presence

Roelof van der Merwe may well be the oldest player to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, provided the Netherlands qualify. Born on December 31, 1984, he will also be 42 when the event begins, but his cricket journey has remained remarkably active.

The left-arm spinner and lower-order batter represents the Netherlands after originally being born in South Africa. He obtained Dutch citizenship in 2015 and has since become a regular senior figure in the side.

Van der Merwe was active at the T20 World Cup in 2026, showing that he still has the hunger and endurance required for international cricket. That ongoing involvement suggests he could still be in the mix if the Netherlands earn a place in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

His dual value as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and experienced batter makes him especially useful in tournament cricket. In a shorter-format league stage, senior players like van der Merwe often become vital through control, discipline and match awareness.

Experience Still Has a Place in World Cup Cricket

The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature a 14-team format, and that alone raises the importance of depth, leadership and experience. Younger squads may bring energy, but senior players often provide the balance needed to survive the pressure of major tournaments.

Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Nabi and Roelof van der Merwe each represent a different cricketing story, but they share one common trait: they have continued to remain relevant deep into their careers. That is no small achievement in modern international cricket.

Selection is never guaranteed this far out, and fitness, form and team strategy will shape the final squads. Still, if these three names do make it to 2027, they will add priceless experience to a tournament already set up for major storylines.

India are scheduled to open their campaign against Australia on October 7, before facing Pakistan on October 10. They will then play Afghanistan on October 14 in Centurion, followed by Zimbabwe at the Victoria Falls Stadium on October 24, adding even more intrigue to an already loaded group stage.

As the countdown to 2027 continues, one thing is clear: the next World Cup may still belong, in part, to the old guard.