India’s modern-era batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are aiming to play in the ICC World Cup 2027 after retiring from Test and T20I cricket. They are now set to return to action in India colors in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.
Well, the idea of keeping Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli together in the scheme of things in ODI cricket is now under the scanner as the national selectors and team management start looking at both former captains separately for the future.
Ro-Ko era faces big shake-up as India set to start preparation for ICC World Cup 2027
It is being said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the think tank are now building a new ODI roadmap for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027, and shockingly, they are not treating Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on the same scale from now on.
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Earlier, the idea was to keep experienced players together in that roadmap, but now the focus is shifting more towards fitness, form, and long-term availability. As reported by Times of India, the BCCI and selectors are concerned about Rohit’s fitness and batting approach.
Even though the Hitman has worked hard on his fitness and looks leaner than before, there are serious doubts about whether the seasoned opener’s body can handle the demands of full 50-over cricket for a long time, as the World Cup is scheduled for 2027.
Rohit Sharma’s fitness and batting approach raise serious concerns
Additionally, Rohit’s batting approach is also being closely monitored. The team management feels he has not fully returned to his ultra-aggressive approach at the top of the order, which was once his biggest strength in ODIs since he was removed from the captaincy.
These developments raised questions about his long-term role in the team’s top order, with age also becoming a big factor. It is being said that the “team management isn’t exactly convinced of this approach.”
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Virat Kohli gets separate treatment from BCCI and selectors
However, the team management views Virat Kohli's case differently. Kohli’s fitness levels are still top-notch, and his form, consistency, and preparation are being rated highly by the team management. And because of all these factors, the dashing right-hander’s future is being evaluated separately, compared to other senior players, especially Rohit Sharma.
The source added, “At this moment Kohli’s fitness and form are better than most cricketers' in India. But one has to understand that Kohli and Rohit can’t be clubbed together anymore. A firm decision needs to be taken on Rohit after consulting the BCCI medical team.”
Notably, Kohli is having a spectacular IPL 2026 season with the RCB, amassing 542 runs at an impressive average of 54.20 and a blistering strike rate of 164.74 in 13 games so far.
