Indian cricket is entering a tense phase, and right in the middle of it stand two iconic batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. While Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir continue to remain silent about long-term plans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have already set their sights on playing in the ICC World Cup 2027.
However, this goal comes with major challenges. Rohit is 38, Virat is 37, and both are now playing far fewer ODIs than before after retiring from Test and T20I cricket.
Selectors wait for the slip, but Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have eyes set on ICC World Cup 2027 dream
Now, he has to maintain fitness, fight the battle, ignore outside criticism and prepare his mind and body for the ICC World Cup 2027, which is still two years away.
According to a Times of India report, many in the Indian think tank are waiting for Virat and Rohit to fail – just one drop in form, one injury scare – to raise questions about their place in the ODI team. But instead of backing down, both the stars are ready to push harder.
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Behind closed doors, the noise is getting louder as they prepare to return to action in the three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30 in Ranchi. It is being said that the selectors are keeping a very close eye on the former Indian captains.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ready for domestic comeback as Ajit Agarkar demands participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Ajit Agarkar has reportedly made it clear that he will take strict action if any of them quit domestic cricket after the South Africa ODI series. Rohit is expected to play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier 50-over tournament.
Meanwhile, Kohli is also planning to play for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru. However, after the three ODIs against South Africa, the right-handed batsman is likely to return to London for a short period, but he may soon join the Delhi team in Bengaluru.
DDCA has not received any direct message yet, but Kohli had already decided most of his program during the Australia tour. His plans may change depending on the New Zealand ODI starting from January 11, but he is still expected to arrive at VHT from December 24.
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Rohit Sharma trains under MI physio as he works his way into 2027 plans
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, has completely revamped himself physically. He is working closely with Amit Dubey, the physiotherapist of his IPL team Mumbai Indians.
He has played an important role in the transformation of Hitman. Rohit Sharma has lost more than 10 kg, changed his diet and rebuilt his entire routine. Now he has got enough time to reset his body and train.
The physiotherapist traveled with the former Indian captain for training sessions and even accompanied him in Ranchi, where the Men in Blue will play the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday. The next 22 months will be a really exciting period in Indian cricket.
If Rohit and Kohli continue to show the same hunger and determination, it will be very difficult for the BCCI to ignore two of India’s greatest ODI players when they finalize the squad for the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
