‘Irrespective of whether Rohit is playing…’: Star South-Africa batter backs GILL to become India’s ODI captain, says Kohli should play…
New Delhi: Following their retirements from T20Is and Tests, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are dedicated to play the 2027 ODI World Cup, aiming to finish their careers on a high note. However, their path looks challenging, as India has only a limited number of ODIs scheduled before the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
RO-KO will have just nine matches to play until January 2026, with their next international assignment being three ODIs in England this July.
Kohlia and Rohit might play their final ODI series against Australia
According to recent reports, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may represent India in their final ODI series against Australia in October. This is because the team management might decide to move on from them in the 50-over format. Reports also says, that they might have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While there has been no official confirmation, it will be intriguing to watch how these two legends manage the next phase of their careers. Both Rohit and Virat have started preparing for their upcoming series in Australia, with Virat training in London and Rohit putting in the work in Mumbai.
RO-KO cleared their fitness test
Both legends have finished their preseason fitness Yo-Yo test Virat is said to have taken his tests in London, while Rohit underwent the Yo-Yo test at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Daryll Cullinan emphasized, top cricketers must play competitive cricket
In an interview with Hindustan Times, former South African batsman Daryll Cullinan emphasized that top cricketers must consistently play competitive cricket to maintain their mental and physical fitness for the ODI format.
“Well, I think from an ability and experience point of view, they could play, I don’t think there’s any doubt in that, but they’d have to be on the ground of international cricket. If I were the coach or convener of selectors, because no matter how good you are, thinking that you can just play a few games or select a few games, not put in the hours and then step in and think you’re going to perform, no, that doesn’t work that way,” he said.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is set to be played in December-January, and it’s uncertain if Rohit and Virat will participate before the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. If they are keen to play as much cricket as possible, they might also take part in the India A series. Some experts believe the two seasoned players should feature in the India A vs Australia A ODI series in Kanpur later this year.
Cullinan said playing competitive cricket keeps mentally and physically strong
Cullinan emphasizes that both players need to participate in plenty of competitive cricket to remain mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead.
“So it’s a bit of a catch-22, I’m not saying they need to be on the circuit all the time, but they need to have played a serious amount of cricket, especially going into the World Cup, so they’re in the right physical, mental frame of mind, the grind of international cricket, being fit, then I would say yes, but anything less than that I’d say no, India move on, because that certainly doesn’t work, and that’s in my view,” said Cullinan.
“They need to be playing quality cricket for the next two years! Far more cricket than less cricket,” he added.
Cullinan also suggested Gambhir and Agarkar to hand Gill ODI captaincy
The former South African batter ended the discussion by stating that it’s time for head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to hand Shubman Gill the ODI captaincy, while Rohit can continue playing ODI as a opening batsman.
“Yes, Gill for captaincy, irrespective of whether Rohit is playing,” said Cullinan.
Story Highlights
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are dedicated to play the 2027 ODI World Cup, aiming to finish their careers on a high note.
- Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may represent India in their final ODI series against Australia in October.
- Rohit and Virat have started preparing for their upcoming series in Australia, they have also prepared their YO-YO test
- Former South African batsman Daryll Cullinan emphasized that top cricketers must consistently play competitive cricket to maintain their mental and physical fitness for the ODI format.
- Daryll Cullinan ended the discussion by stating that it’s time for head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to hand Shubman Gill the ODI captaincy
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