Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may have earned a place in India’s ODI squad against Australia, but their future in the 50-over format is far from certain. Since both stalwarts have stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, their exposure to international cricket is now limited — and ODI matches are not played as frequently as they once were.
Although both are believed to be targeting the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, the BCCI has so far remained non-committal about their long-term involvement. Adding to the uncertainty, Rohit has also been relieved of his duties as India’s ODI captain, sparking doubts about whether either of them will continue beyond the near future.
Pathan Warns of Match-Fitness Challenge
Amid this uncertainty, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared some strong advice, suggesting that both players must look beyond international cricket to stay ready for the 2027 challenge.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli want to play the 2027 World Cup, but match fitness will be a big challenge for them,” Irfan said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Kohli continues to be one of the fittest athletes in world cricket, and Rohit has reportedly put in significant work to improve his physical condition ahead of the series against Australia. However, Pathan believes that being fit off the field is not enough — consistent match experience is what will truly prepare them for the demands of a World Cup.
“Rohit has worked well on his fitness. He is focused on that. But there is regular fitness, and match-time fitness… If you are not playing regular cricket, both of them have to ensure some game time. They have to play domestic cricket.”
Regular Game Time Could Decide Their Future
Pathan further explained that despite their wealth of experience, the long breaks between international assignments could negatively impact their sharpness and readiness for high-pressure tournaments.
“They are big players and know what to do. They have all the experience in the world. But they are not even playing T20Is, so there will be big gaps between the few matches that they play before the big World Cup. They will need regular game time to be fit for that. Only then will their dream to play the 2027 World Cup come true.”
With nearly two years still left before the next World Cup, Pathan’s suggestion might become a crucial factor in shaping their future. By committing to domestic competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy or Deodhar Trophy, the legendary duo can sharpen their match readiness — and strengthen their case for inclusion when India takes the field in the 2027 global event.
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