Former national selector and ex-BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale suggested that to maintain their match fitness and rhythm, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should consider participating in domestic cricket since India is expected to have fewer One-Day Internationals in the upcoming months.
Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from other formats and now focus solely on 50-over matches, have been on a break since their successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2024 and subsequent Test cricket retirement after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. They recently returned to international action in the ODI series against Australia after a nearly seven-month hiatus following their Champions Trophy win in Dubai.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon and concerns about their ability to maintain fitness and form due to their age, Jagdale emphasized the importance of regular play. He highlighted the impact of lack of play on players like Dhoni, as well as cricket legends Brian Lara and Matthew Hayden post-retirement, cautioning that inactivity can lead to rustiness.
Jagdale stressed the significance of domestic cricket for Kohli and Rohit, especially considering the dwindling number of ODIs in the international calendar. He expressed his hope to see them actively participating in domestic tournaments to stay competitive and enhance their chances of selection for the upcoming World Cup.
While acknowledging the challenges of age, with Rohit and Kohli set to be 40 and 38, respectively, by the time of the 2027 World Cup, Jagdale remained optimistic about their prospects if they maintain their commitment and performance levels. He emphasized that their hunger and professionalism will be crucial in extending their successful ODI careers.