Irfan Pathan opens up on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future ahead of 2027 World Cup

Former Indian opener Irfan Pathan has opened up on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, stating that it would be imperative for the duo to keep playing consistently at the top level. The pair has already announced their retirement from Test and the T20I formats and with ODI matches far and few between in International cricket, there are doubts over the veteran’s future.

While Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an impressive average of 48.77, Kohli has aggregated 14,181 runs in 302 ODI games at a stunning average of 57.88; thus, their records speak for themselves.

Speaking to RevSportz, Irfan Pathan said, “Talking about these professional cricketers, whose only focus is to play cricket for now, the biggest challenge for them would be playing regularly and staying fit. Virat is going to play IPL only, and then whenever there is first-class cricket, but just to play and not to prove anything. So, continuing the game time will not be an easy task. T20 has taken over and one-dayers have taken a backseat, so number of matches has gotten changed in both.”

“World Cup 2027 won’t be a challenge if continuity of the game time is handled. Unfortunately, there will be pressure on them. I’ve spoken to Rohit Sharma and he’s very keen about fitness. Then Virat, I am sure is very keen as well with the way he has been seen practising in England. I have also seen a statement from Mohammed Shami which says that he’s very very keen too.”

Pathan is hopeful that the communication is clear between the management, selectors and the experienced duo batters regarding their future.

“I hope that the communication has been very clear. Knowing Gautam (Gambhir) and Ajit (Agarkar), I think they will make it very clear in terms of communication. Having game time regularly will keep away all sorts of challenges. If you’re talking about 2027, that challenge will be there because they’re not playing for India currently. After, say, three games against Australia and IPL, if there is a big gap, then the continuity breaks,” said Pathan.

Rohit and Kohli will be seen in action in the three-match ODI series against Australia in October.