Morne Morkel drops no-nonsense verdict on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s ODI future

India National Cricket Team bowling coach Morne Morkel has dropped a no-nonsense verdict on the future of the modern-day batting greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket.

Morne Morkel said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can continue to play international cricket as long as they have the hunger and are ready to put in the effort to maintain good fitness levels.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bring fresh energy: Morne Morkel

India lost their last ODI series against Australia Down Under, which was the comeback series for the legendary Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who were out of action for a significant period.

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Expectations were sky-high from the duo to fire against the Aussies, but they only did that together in the dead-rubber last ODI when India had already lost the first two matches.

Rohit started off the series with a score of 8, but bounced back with 73 and 121* in the next two matches, while Virat Kohli bagged back-to-back ducks before hitting 74* in the final match.

India recently lost the Test series against South Africa, but while speaking ahead of the ODI series, Morne Morkel said that the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will bring fresh energy to the squad.

"Obviously, it was a disappointing two weeks for us, but we had a couple of days now to reflect and I think the important thing now is to give all our energy into the white-ball team," Morkel said.

"We've been playing a lot of good white-ball cricket. It's a couple of new faces, but fresh energy into the squad now with Virat and Rohit and them coming back. Excited for the next couple of weeks now with playing white ball cricket."

They've won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments - Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel added that he very much values the experience Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bring to the table and backed them for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, setting 'hunger and fitness' as the only conditions for their selection.

"They're quality players. As long as they're happy to put in the hard work and the fitness. I've always believed in experience, and to have that experience, you don't find that anywhere. They've won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments,” Morkel told reporters.

“So for sure, if they mentally and physically feel that their bodies can do that, it's still a long way away, the World Cup, by all means,” he added.

I've had sleepless nights, bowling to them - Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel also revealed that during his playing days, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gave him sleepless nights.

“I've played many games against them. I've had sleepless nights, bowling to them. So I know, as a bowler, what goes through your preparation when playing against them. So for me, definitely on board with that,” said Morkel.

Currently, the focus of most of the teams in international cricket is on T20Is with the T20 World Cup 2026 being played in February-March, but Morne Morkel made it clear that they are not taking ODI cricket lightly because donning the Indian jersey is an honour and they don't want to let people down.

"Preparation for the T20 World Cup is one thing, but every time you put on the Indian jersey, you are representing the country, and you are representing lots of people, the fans standing outside the gate, supporting us, waving us, and cheering us on. For me, preparation is one thing, but for me it's playing good cricket for all the cricket lovers there and the cricket supporters."

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