Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need to play domestic cricket regularly if they want to make it to the 2027 ODI World Cup squad. This clear message has been sent by cricket experts and selectors as both players prepare for their comeback series against Australia.
The Domestic Cricket Warning
Both veteran batsmen have been put on notice by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and cricket experts. The message is simple – playing domestic cricket is no longer optional for these superstars. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar made this clear during the recent squad announcement for the Australia tour.
The BCCI has established a policy that all available players must participate in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This rule now applies to everyone, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The selectors want to see consistent performance and match fitness from all players.
Current Playing Status
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played international cricket in March 2025 during the Champions Trophy final. India won that tournament by beating New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai. Since then, both players have been away from international cricket for several months.
Both players have retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals. They now only play ODI cricket for India. This decision means they have limited opportunities to play competitive cricket throughout the year. The gap between ODI series creates fitness challenges for maintaining peak performance levels.
Expert Opinion on Match Fitness
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has given strong advice to both players about their World Cup dreams. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan explained that game fitness will be the biggest challenge for Rohit and Virat moving forward.
“Rohit and Virat want to play the 2027 World Cup, but game fitness will be a big challenge for them,” Pathan said. He stressed that regular fitness and game time fitness are two different things. Players need actual match experience to stay sharp and ready for big tournaments.
Pathan also pointed out that both players have all the experience in the world. However, with long gaps between ODI matches, they need regular game time to maintain their fitness levels. Only consistent cricket will help them achieve their World Cup dreams.
The Australia Series Comeback
The upcoming Australia ODI series starting October 19 marks an important return for both players. This three-match series will be their first international assignment since the Champions Trophy victory in March 2025. The series will test their current form and fitness levels after months away from international cricket.
Shubman Gill has been named as the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma in the leadership role. Shreyas Iyer will serve as vice-captain for the series. This change shows that the team management is looking toward the future while still including experienced players in the squad.
The Australia tour includes three ODI matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney. After the ODI series, both teams will play five T20 internationals. However, Rohit and Virat will not participate in the T20 matches since they have retired from that format.
Selector’s Clear Message
Ajit Agarkar has been very clear about the expectations for all players, including the veteran duo. During the press conference announcing the Australia squad, he emphasized that domestic cricket participation is mandatory for available players.
“We have made it clear a couple of years back now that whenever the guys are available, they should be playing domestic cricket,” Agarkar stated. He explained that this is the only way players can stay sharp during long breaks from international cricket.
The selectors have also made it clear that both Rohit and Virat will be selected based on merit going forward. No special treatment will be given to any player, regardless of their past achievements. Performance and form will determine selection for future series and tournaments.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy Factor
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has specifically advised both players to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This domestic 50-over tournament provides the perfect platform for ODI players to maintain match practice and stay in competitive form.
“They will have to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy in India whenever it’s scheduled, if it doesn’t clash with any international ODI tournaments,” Gavaskar told India Today. He believes this is the best way for aging players to stay trim and maintain match practice.
The domestic tournament gives players the opportunity to face quality bowling and batting conditions. It also helps them work on specific aspects of their game without the pressure of international cricket. For players approaching the later stages of their careers, such exposure becomes even more important.
Age and Experience Challenges
When the 2027 World Cup takes place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old and Virat Kohli will be 37. These ages present unique challenges for maintaining peak performance levels in international cricket.
However, both players bring massive experience to the team. They have played in multiple World Cups and know how to handle pressure situations. Their leadership qualities and match awareness remain valuable assets for the Indian team. The challenge lies in maintaining physical fitness and match sharpness.
Experts believe that with proper planning and regular cricket, both players can extend their careers successfully. Their experience in ODI cricket and understanding of different playing conditions around the world gives them an advantage over younger players.
Limited ODI Schedule Impact
The current international cricket calendar has fewer ODI matches compared to previous years. Commercial factors and the popularity of T20 cricket have reduced the number of bilateral ODI series. This creates additional challenges for players who only play this format.
With limited ODI opportunities, players face long gaps between international matches. These gaps make it difficult to maintain competitive rhythm and match fitness. Domestic cricket becomes the only way to bridge these gaps and stay ready for important tournaments.
The reduced ODI schedule means that every series becomes crucial for players trying to maintain their place in the team. Consistent performance in limited opportunities becomes essential for securing selection for major tournaments like the World Cup.
World Cup 2027 Format and Venue
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia during October and November. South Africa will host 44 out of 54 total matches, while the remaining 10 matches will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The tournament will follow the 2003 format with 14 teams divided into two groups of seven teams each. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semifinals and the final. This format provides more opportunities for teams to showcase their skills.
Eight cities in South Africa will host matches – Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, and Paarl. The tournament promises to be a major celebration of cricket across the African continent.
Future Selection Policy
The BCCI has established clear guidelines for player selection moving forward. Merit and current form will be the primary factors for choosing squad members. Past achievements alone will not guarantee selection for future tournaments.
This policy change affects all players, including established stars like Rohit and Virat. Regular participation in domestic cricket, consistent performance in international matches, and maintaining fitness standards are now essential requirements for selection.
The selectors want to create a culture where every player earns their place through performance. This approach ensures that the team always fields the best available players while maintaining healthy competition within the squad.
Training and Preparation Requirements
Both players understand what they need to do to achieve their World Cup goals. Their vast experience helps them identify areas for improvement and develop appropriate training programs. However, match practice remains irreplaceable for maintaining competitive edge.
Physical fitness programs, skill development sessions, and mental preparation are all important aspects of their training. However, playing competitive matches provides the best preparation for high-pressure tournament situations. Domestic cricket offers this essential match experience.
The players also need to adapt their game to changing conditions and opposition strategies. Regular cricket helps them stay updated with current trends and maintain their technical skills at the highest level.
The path to the 2027 World Cup is clear for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They must embrace domestic cricket as an essential part of their preparation. Regular participation in tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy will help them maintain match fitness and competitive rhythm.
The selectors and team management have provided clear guidelines about expectations. Now it is up to Rohit and Virat to follow this roadmap and prove they deserve their places in India’s World Cup squad. Their actions in the coming months will determine whether they fulfill their World Cup dreams in South Africa.
