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Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has opined that it is never good to write off the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He has cited their sheer form and has highlighted the continuation of their good form in the ongoing season of the IPL.
India will look to have their two senior cricketers in the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the upcoming World Cup campaign in 2027. The two are absolute maestros of world cricket, and the only factor that holds them back is their age.
Rohit and Virat announced their retirement from the two other formats of international cricket back in 2024 and 2025. Rohit is the third-highest run-getter for India, while Kohli is the second-highest run-getter in the 50-over format.
“I can see them pushing ahead and trying to get there," said the former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian skipper, mentioned that one can never write off the likes of champion cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He has backed them to feature for the Indian side in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
“I can see them pushing ahead and trying to get there. One thing I have always said about champion players is you never say no. You never write them off. Virat has been a good example of that again through this IPL," Ponting said while speaking to PTI.
“He isn’t playing as much international cricket as he once was, but that determination and want to win are still there. Rohit has turned up at this IPL in better physical condition than I have seen him probably in about 10 or 12 years," Ponting added.
Rohit Sharma's and Virat Kohli's promising form in IPL 2026
Rohit Sharma returned to IPL 2026 after having made a promising start to their campaign. He, however, could not manage many games before being ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury. His recovery was delayed, and he missed around five matches in the season.
Having played in eight games, he has amassed 283 runs and has scored two half-centuries while striking at a whopping strike rate of 160. On the other hand, Virat Kohli has maintained his promising form and gone on to score 542 runs in 13 appearances this season, while also reaching his 9th IPL hundred this season.
However, the Mumbai Indians have largely used Rohit Sharma as an impact player, especially after his return to the second half of the IPL.
While Virat Kohli has set high standards of fitness, Rohit Sharma's availability is subject to fitness.
Virat Kohli has always set very high standards with his fitness quotient and his amazing work rate. Kohli, with his remarkable fitness, has continued his promising run in the IPL, despite his reduced international appearances and lack of immense gametime.
Rohit has also looked fitter ever since he lost his weight before that Australia tour; however, this hamstring injury has cast a massive hindrance in his return to the Indian playing XI. Rohit's availability is subject to his fitness, and he might be ruled out of the Afghanistan series if the BCCI does not permit him to appear for the match.
