As India’s One-Day International season approaches its close, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for a decisive discussion on the future of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI setup. The meeting—planned after the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa—will focus heavily on India’s roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Why BCCI Wants Clarity on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI Roles
Top BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are expected to gather in Ahmedabad following the third ODI in Visakhapatnam. The aim is to provide Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with clear guidance on their responsibilities, expectations, and future involvement in the format.
Sources indicate that the duo has not yet had a proper discussion with the team management regarding long-term ODI planning, especially with the 2027 World Cup still a few years away.
Concerns Over Match Readiness and Form
A key issue expected to be addressed is the challenge posed by the long breaks both senior players take between ODI series since they now play only one international format.Although both scored runs in the third ODI in Australia, the series was already lost, and concerns remain about their initial rustiness in the first two matches.
A BCCI source highlighted:“They looked rusty in the first two games. That can’t happen in every series.”
Team Management’s Expectations from Rohit Sharma
Aggressive Batting Approach Under Review
Management believes Rohit Sharma should continue to lead from the front with his attacking style, something he consistently displayed until the ICC Champions Trophy. However, in Australia, he took longer than usual to settle in, raising concerns over whether he was avoiding early risks.
Focus on Fitness and Composure
The board is understood to have asked Rohit to concentrate solely on his fitness and performance, while ignoring external speculation regarding his future. His role as a fearless opener remains central to the team’s vision for the next phase.
What BCCI Expects from Virat Kohli
While the meeting is not exclusively about Rohit, Virat Kohli is equally central to BCCI’s long-term ODI strategy.
Kohli’s Match Rhythm and Game Time
The board and selectors are likely to explain their concerns about Kohli’s limited game time outside international cricket. With both players participating in only one format, maintaining consistent rhythm remains a challenge.
Team management is working on possible backup options should the need arise closer to 2027, but clarity on Kohli’s continued role will be a priority in the upcoming discussions.
Limited Domestic Participation a Growing Issue
Advice to Play More Domestic Cricket
Sources suggest the selectors and management would have preferred if both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had played competitive cricket in England earlier this year. The board is expected to advise them to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy next month to maintain match sharpness.
Upcoming Fixtures Before a Long Gap
India will play a limited-overs home series against New Zealand in January. After that, the next ODI assignment is the three-match series in England scheduled for July, creating another extended inactivity window for players who are already playing fewer matches.
Backup Planning for 2027 ODI World Cup
Although nothing has been finalized, there are suggestions that India is quietly working on identifying alternatives in case one or both of the senior players are unavailable for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
However, the upcoming meeting aims to ensure both stars are not left in uncertainty about their future.
A BCCI source emphasized:“Players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature must have clarity. They can’t play with uncertainty.”
The decisions made after the South Africa series could shape India’s long-term ODI strategy and determine how the nation’s two biggest cricket icons fit into the next phase of planning.