Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are under pressure as questions continue to be raised over their long-term roles in ODI cricket. With both of them away from Tests and T20Is, their performance in the upcoming matches could play a major role in shaping India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
South Africa defeated India in a two-match Test series ahead of the ODI matches starting in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The home team will be hoping to bounce back and Rohit and Virat will be crucial in the limited-overs matches, especially given their reputations as two of the finest white-ball players of their era.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were last seen in action in Australia
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would like to make a strong impact in the ODI series against South Africa. India lost 1-2 in the recent ODI series in Australia, where Rohit scored over 200 runs, including a brilliant unbeaten century in the final match.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli had a tough start with two ducks but made a good comeback with an unbeaten 74 in the last game. The two also made an unbeaten 168-run partnership in the third ODI, where India won.
Before that series, there was a lot of discussion about his future in ODI cricket. Since he only plays in this format and is in his 30s, many wondered whether he would stay motivated. Some people even thought that he might retire after the Australia tour.
However, his performance put those rumors to rest. Rohit looked fit and confident, while Kohli found form only when needed. As India prepares to face South Africa, both players are expected to continue scoring runs and help the team win.
Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir did not make any commitment on the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
According to Times of India, the challenges ahead for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not limited to form or fitness. Both the senior batsmen will have to fend off speculation, deal with persistent questions from the selection committee and ensure that they maintain the confidence of the coaching staff and the BCCI.
The report said that it is surprising that a player of his stature even has to worry about such matters, considering how influential he has been in ODIs for over a decade. However, uncertainty over their future has made them more cautious.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir were repeatedly asked about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the press conference, yet no one gave any clear assurance. His consistent response has been that the 2027 ODI World Cup is still more than two years away.
There may be young players who will take the place – Ajit Agarkar
At the NDTV World Summit 2025, Ajit Agarkar said that while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently part of the team and remain excellent players, it is too early to make any promises about their place in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Agarkar said the team should be open to young options emerging in the next two years. He said that the decisions will not be based only on big scores or individual achievements. The former cricketer said the focus will be on what helps India win major tournaments.
“They are part of the team in Australia at the moment. They are incredible players, but this is not the platform to talk about individual players. Two years from now, it is difficult to say what the situation will be. Who knows, there may be younger players who will take the place,” Agarkar had said at the NDTV World Summit 2025.
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