As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have returned to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Australia Tour, Irfan Pathan has indicated the challenge of maintaining match fitness without regular cricket. Pathan shared important advice for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as their one -day future is now being uncertain.
Both Indian batting icons have already retired from testing and T20I, and now their only international platform for ODI cricket shining. He is set to make his much -awaited comeback with a three -match ODI series in Australia this October this, but his future in 50 -over format is far from safe.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma faced ODI survival test ahead of ICC World Cup 2027
While Kohli and Rohit clearly want to continue the ICC World Cup by 2027, Indian chief selector Ajit Aggarkar has not given any guarantee about his spot, as they are now trying to prepare the squad around the new captain, Shubman Gill in OD cricket.
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As the two former Indian captains are under the radar and they said that if they come, they will be selected only in the ODI squad, Irfan Pathan suggested that both Kohli and Rohit consider playing domestic cricket, as fitness alone may not be enough to maintain their places.
Kohli is one of the most qualified players in world cricket, while Rohit has also focused on his fitness before the tour of Australia. Rohit is working hard on his fitness and losing 10 kg for the ODI series in Australia. However, he lacked match practice.
Match fitness will be a big challenge for him: Irfan Pathan
Pathan has noted that both batting icons now play only ODI matches, and that is why they actually need a match practice to fit the ICC World Cup 2027. And for which, playing domestic cricket would be a great platform for the pair, according to the former Indian all-rounder.
Irfan Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel, “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli want to play 2027 World Cup, but match fitness will be a big challenge for him. Rohit has done a good job on his fitness. He is focusing on it.
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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be hit domestic cricket to keep the expectations of ICC World Cup 2027 alive: Irfan Pathan
The former Indian World Cup winner has emphasized that the time of the continuous game is important for Virat and Rohit to remain competitive and fit and make sure the dreams of his ICC World Cup 2027 survive. He also said that if they do not make serious efforts in domestic cricket, then their experience and number cannot save their place in India’s ODI setup.
Pathan signed, saying, “Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have to play domestic cricket. They are big players and know what they have to do. They have all the experiences in the world. But they are playing T20 Eye, so there will also be big gaps between some matches that will be to play before the Big World Cup.”
