Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not planning to retire after the Australia tour

Now, while the next phase of Indian cricket continues to be discussed in the world of cricket, there is one question reverberating around the dressing rooms and discussions: Is it really the end of the cricketing road for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs? While both legends have stepped away from T20I and Tests, sources say they remain far from closing the ODI chapter.

Sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed that the projections were for both Rohit and Kohli to show up in domestic one-dayers later this year, which, alarmingly enough, would clearly show intent towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. 

BCCI’s Gentler-Way Messages: Play Domestic or Miss.

The timing of Ajit Agarkar’s comments had brought the focus back onto the fans’ minds. He stressed that centrally contracted players are to play in domestic tournaments whenever available. He did not mention names, but the message was taken as having been directed toward veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. 

Both have been away from domestic cricket for a long time now due to international commitments, but while the international ODI calendar is relatively lighter now, the importance has shifted to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is India’s biggest domestic ODI tournament.

A Five-Week Window Opens Up

Five weeks will go by after India completes its last ODI on December 6 against South Africa until the team hosts New Zealand beginning on January 11 in Vadodara, just in time for players needing to recapture match rhythm. 

As per a BCCI official, Kohli and Rohit are expected to play at least three of the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, which begin on December 24. Between South Africa and New Zealand ODIs, ample time is there for a domestic season to be held. Mumbai will play six games (Dec 24-26, 29-31, Jan 3-6, and 8). Rohit should play a few rounds before joining the national squad,” Ditto for Virat,” said a BCCI source to PTI.

If indeed the two icons participated, it would speak for more than being in good touch-it speaks for intent. It means for those who matter, the fans and the selectors, that both the players are ready to stake their claim in the ODI set-up, thus keeping alive hopes for yet another World Cup run. 

2027 World Cup: Can Experience trump Age?

Virat Kohli will be 38, and Rohit Sharma will be 40 by the time the next ODI World Cup comes in 2027. Naturally, in these discussions about their future, age is almost a part. But should only age be their determinant? 

Cricket greats from different epochs have been proving that careers can go on well into their late 30s, and experience does count over age for major tournaments. Kohli remains one of the fittest players on the globe, while Rohit’s ability to assess the conditions and handle pressure is second to none. 

Thus, the next year would go a long way in deciding whether these two stars earn one last name in the list of persons vying for ODI fifth.

Ashwin’s Take: “Let Them Play Domestic Cricket”

American veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently added a lot of spice to the discussion on his YouTube channel. Ashwin, who played alongside both legends for over a decade, believes that bringing Rohit and Kohli back will only be possible by allowing them an opportunity to prove themselves in domestic cricket. 

“If you want to include them in the ODI setup, they must play either the India ‘A’ series or the Vijay Hazare Trophy. There is not much of 50-over cricket going around, so it is important to see how they fare in those matches,” Ashwin said.

He further explained that not only would such participation test their form, but it would also set an example for younger guys that earning their place is based on performance and not reputation.

Reading Between the Lines

This appears to offer a clear insight into BCCI’s thinking — their reputation will no longer guarantee them a place on the national team. All players, big or small, must remain alive and ready for matches. For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it would be back to their states, Delhi and Mumbai, respectively, to show themselves ready for the ODI format.

For the fans on Starexch, this scenario offers many Match Insights to ponder on the present selection policy. This is not just about phasing out the senior players, but maintaining a balance between experience and fresh talent.

Balanced Indian Squad.

A future strong player-crew will be under the vision of team management as India heads for the World Cup 2027. This signals that Shubman Gill, now recently crowned as ODI captain, is the future, but that does not imply there is no space for the experienced ones. 

The selectors do understand what senior pros like Kohli and Rohit bring into the dressing room. Confidence wins from their sheer presence, but in pressure games, calmness is something that no amount of youth can replace. 

The Legacy Factor

If this turns out to be the last chapter of their ODI life, both would want to go out on their own terms. Rohit has been the calm head behind India’s modern ODI wins with his aggression, while Kohli has been the motivation and fire for an entire generation. 

Watching them don the blue jersey one final time at the grandest stage, going for the trophy that slipped out of their grip back in 2023, is the dream of all fans.

Vijay Hazare Trophy becomes the most looked-forward-to event as it will determine whether this dream remains alive or withered. 

Starexchange brings you the freshest news, Match Insights, and all things concerning India’s road to the 2027 ODI World Cup. 

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FAQs

1. Is it true that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?

A: They are there to play at least three rounds of the tournament in December and January, but one or both of them may suffer an injury and therefore be unavailable.

2.Why have Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now opted to play domestic cricket?

A: Simply put, the BCCI has made it clear that every player under contract with them would be playing domestic matches, as they are available, at least for the purpose of keeping fit for selection.

3.Are Rohit and Kohli still in the plans for ODI team selection in India?

A: There’s not much about that domain, but their quick, hasty return into domestic cricket seems to suggest that they may have left their options open for the 2027 World Cup.

4.What is the importance of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in an elder player’s life?

A: Primary opportunity for practice regarding competing in proving fitness and form on the way back to the national side, especially for those not finding it easy to enter the first eleven.