Rohit Sharma ditches Gautam Gambhir, BCCI; brings Mumbai Indians support staff for India

Indian cricket is entering a tense phase, and right in the middle of it stand two of the iconic batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. While Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir continue to stay silent about long-term plans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have already fixed their target, aiming to play in the ICC World Cup 2027.

However, this goal comes with huge challenges. Rohit is 38, Virat is 37, and both are now playing far fewer ODIs than they used to, having retired from Test and T20I cricket.

Selectors wait for a slip, but Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set sights on ICC World Cup 2027 dream

Now, they have to maintain fitness, fight rustiness, ignore outside criticism, and prepare their minds and bodies for the ICC World Cup 2027, which is still two years away.

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As reported by the Times of India, many people in the Indian think tank are waiting for Virat and Rohit to fail—just one dip in form, one injury scare—so that questions can be raised about their place in the ODI team. But instead of backing away, both stars are ready to push harder.

Read Also: MS Dhoni refuses to attend India vs South Africa Ranchi ODI despite KL Rahul’s request

Behind closed doors, the noise is getting louder as they are set to return to action in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting on November 30 in Ranchi. It is being said that the selectors are watching the former Indian captains very closely.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set for domestic return as Ajit Agarkar demands Vijay Hazare Trophy participation

Ajit Agarkar has reportedly made it clear that he will take strict action if either of them skips domestic cricket after the South Africa ODI series. Rohit is expected to play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy - India's premier 50-over tournament.

Meanwhile, Kohli is also planning to play for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru. However, after the three ODIs against South Africa, the right-handed batter is likely to return to London for a short time, but he may join the Delhi squad in Bengaluru soon after.

The DDCA has not received any direct message yet, but Kohli had already decided most of his schedule during the Australia tour. His plan may change depending on the New Zealand ODIs starting January 11, but he is still expected to appear in the VHT from December 24.

Read Also: KL Rahul reveals his batting position for South Africa ODIs, breaks silence on getting captaincy

Rohit Sharma trains under MI Physio’s watchful eye as he forces his way into the 2027 plans

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has completely reinvented himself physically. He has been working closely with Amit Dubey, the physiotherapist of his IPL team, the Mumbai Indians.

He has played a key role in the Hitman’s transformation. Rohit Sharma has lost more than 10 kilos, changed his diet, and rebuilt his entire routine. He has now got enough time to reset his body and train.

The physiotherapist travelled with the former Indian captain for training sessions and was even with him in Ranchi, where the Men in Blue will play the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday. The next 22 months will be a really exciting phase in Indian cricket.

If Rohit and Kohli keep showing the same hunger and determination, it will be very difficult for the BCCI to overlook two of the greatest ODI players India has ever produced when they finalise the squad for the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.