“No Motivation” – Gavaskar Questions Rohit, Kohli’s World Cup Plans

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to international cricket for the first time since the Champions Trophy. Both have been picked for India’s upcoming ODI series in Australia, starting October 19.

The series is seen as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar raised doubts about their motivation. He suggested that their decision to play might be more about the opponent than the bigger World Cup picture.

“I’m pretty certain that if this were a trip to Zimbabwe or the West Indies, both of them would not have been available. But because this is in Australia, and because India lost to Australia in the World Cup final, maybe that is the reason why both of them have decided, yes, I want to be available for this,” he told India Today.

The BCCI’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, confirmed their selection but did not hint at their World Cup plans. Gavaskar said that their place in the 2027 squad will depend on game time and performance.

With India playing only a few ODIs each year, the former batsman feels it will be tough for players nearing the later stages of their careers to stay match-ready.

“It’s not easy to be playing just seven or eight ODIs in a season while preparing for something as big as a World Cup,” he added.

Gavaskar also stressed the importance of domestic cricket for both stars. Playing tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy will help them maintain form and stay sharp ahead of the World Cup.

The Australia tour will include three ODIs and five T20Is, giving Rohit and Kohli a chance to regain rhythm in international cricket.