Veteran Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently shared his insights for cricketing legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, specifically concerning their potential involvement in the 2027 ODI World Cup. This timely counsel arrives hot on the heels of Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar’s announcement of Shubman Gill stepping into the role of India’s new ODI captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma.
Both Kohli and Rohit have progressively reduced their international commitments, having opted out of T20Is in 2024 and Test cricket since early 2025. Their current international appearances are largely confined to bilateral One-Day Internationals, which, influenced by commercial considerations, are becoming less frequent. This limited schedule is primarily supplemented by their participation in the IPL T20 tournament.
“While both Rohit and Virat clearly harbor ambitions to play in the 2027 World Cup, maintaining peak ‘game fitness’ will be a significant hurdle for them,” Pathan stated on his YouTube channel. He acknowledged Rohit’s dedication to physical fitness but drew a distinction between general fitness and game-specific readiness. “If you’re not actively playing regular competitive cricket, it’s essential for both of them to secure some crucial game time. Simply put, they need to engage in domestic cricket.”
Pathan continued, “These are seasoned players, fully aware of what’s required. Their wealth of experience is undeniable. However, with their absence from T20Is, there will be considerable gaps between the limited international matches they play leading up to such a major tournament like the World Cup. Consistent game time is non-negotiable for them to stay sharp and truly fit for that challenge. It’s the only way their aspiration to compete in the 2027 World Cup can realistically materialize.”
Shubman Gill’s captaincy journey is set to officially kick off with the upcoming ODI tour of Australia. Subsequently, India’s domestic winter season will commence, featuring prominent tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the nation’s premier List-A competition. Notably, neither Kohli nor Rohit has made an appearance in this particular domestic event for several years.
Pathan further elaborated on Gill’s new role: “This transition signifies a major leadership shift, with Gill now poised to lead in both formats. It’s an immense opportunity, but equally, it comes with monumental responsibility. He’s tasked with carrying forward Virat’s exceptional legacy in Test cricket and Rohit’s illustrious impact in white-ball cricket. This period is undoubtedly challenging yet incredibly exciting for him, especially given his strong batting form, which he must strive to maintain.”
Shubman Gill’s ascent to captaincy arrives at a pivotal moment, as he steps into the formidable shoes of one of India’s most accomplished white-ball leaders. This leadership change heralds a new and dynamic era for Indian cricket, placing considerable yet thrilling new responsibilities on the shoulders of the talented young captain.