Former India opener Aakash Chopra said both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will come under scrutiny for their performances in one-day international (ODI) cricket going forward, adding that consistency will be their ticket to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli and Rohit have long been automatic selections in India’s ODI side, but that could change as the team moves towards the next major tournament under Shubman Gill’s captaincy.

In a generational shift, India named Shubman Gill as captain of the ODI team, replacing Rohit Sharma, for the upcoming three-match series in Australia starting on 19 October. The passing of the baton comes two years before the next ODI World Cup, which will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

While Gill has been elevated to the leadership role, both Rohit and Kohli have retained their places in the one-day squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar did not go into detail about the team management’s plans for the two senior players with respect to the 2027 World Cup, but made it clear that their performances would be taken into account when selection decisions are made.

Rohit, who has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs, led India to Champions Trophy glory in March. However, the veteran has now been asked to make way for Gill, who is being tipped to lead India across all formats in the future. Kohli, meanwhile, enjoyed a strong Champions Trophy campaign, scoring a century and a vital 84 in the semi-final.

“Leave what has happened thus far, but going forward, both will be judged on their respective individual form. If you feel they shouldn’t be judged, whoever is playing for India will be judged, and there is nothing wrong with that. I don’t think both will come and leave together now. Whoever scores runs will keep playing,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube show.

JUDGED DIFFERENTLY?

The former opener, now a respected pundit, added that the two players will be assessed differently, given their age and fitness levels, despite their proven ability to deliver in major tournaments.

“I understand what you are saying. I totally get why you are saying that. Since both are legends, you go the same way. I do get it that there is a difference in age, fitness, and even in numbers. So, ideally, both should be seen differently, and both will be judged differently,” he said.

Rohit, 38, will be 41 by the time of the 2027 World Cup, while Kohli will be 39. Both will be eager to maintain their form and fitness, though the limited number of ODI fixtures before the tournament remains a concern. India are unlikely to play more than 20 ODIs ahead of the World Cup, and with Rohit and Kohli having already retired from Tests and T20Is, the spotlight will be on their ability to stay match-ready.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has made it clear that the team management expects both Rohit and Kohli to feature in domestic cricket to stay in touch when not playing at international level.

For now, both the team management and the two stalwarts are likely to take things one match and one series at a time. All eyes will be on the experienced duo as they make their much-anticipated return in the ODI series in Australia.

– Ends