Kohli and Rohit Face Testing Phase as Domestic Cricket Becomes Their Road Back

Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been advised to return to domestic cricket to maintain their spots in the national One Day International (ODI) team, as their future in the 50-over format remains uncertain. Both players, who have retired from Test and T20I formats, are now focused solely on ODIs, with aspirations to compete in the 2027 World Cup. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not guaranteed their places in the squad, raising concerns about their longevity in the format, which is played less frequently than T20s.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan emphasized the importance of match fitness for the duo, particularly given the long gaps between international ODI fixtures. In a recent YouTube video, Pathan stated, “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli want to play the 2027 World Cup, but match fitness will be a big challenge for them.” He urged both players to participate in domestic tournaments to ensure regular game time, warning that without it, their World Cup ambitions could be at risk. This advice comes as Rohit, recently removed as ODI captain, and Kohli face increased scrutiny over their roles.

Kohli, widely regarded as one of the fittest cricketers globally, and Rohit, who has worked diligently on his physical conditioning, were selected for India’s ongoing ODI series against Australia. Yet, Pathan stressed that general fitness alone is insufficient. “There is regular fitness and match-time fitness,” he noted, highlighting the need for consistent competitive exposure to prepare for high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup.

The call to play domestic cricket underscores the BCCI’s emphasis on form and readiness, even for players of Kohli and Sharma’s stature. With their vast experience, both are expected to adapt, but the absence of T20I commitments means fewer opportunities to stay match-ready. As India builds toward the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the duo’s commitment to domestic cricket could determine their ability to fulfill their World Cup dreams.