Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Advised to Play Regular Cricket if They Want to Play World Cup 2027
Daryll Cullinan says Shubman Gill should be India’s ODI captain. Adds Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli must play domestic cricket to stay in contention.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from T20Is and Tests, and both are now focusing on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. However, there are only nine ODIs left for the two stalwarts till January 2026.
Reports recently claimed that Rohit and Virat could play their last ODI series against Australia in October.
There is also talk that both players might be asked to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to extend their ODI careers and play the World Cup.
The two players have started training for the upcoming overseas assignment. Virat is working in London, while Rohit is training in Mumbai. Both have undergone pre-season fitness tests.
Rohit’s Yo-Yo test was held at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, while Virat’s tests were done in London.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan said the veterans must keep playing competitive cricket. He stressed that ability and experience are not enough without regular match practice.
Cullinan said players cannot just pick a few games and expect to deliver. He added that Rohit and Virat must play a serious amount of cricket to be in the right mental and physical frame.
He suggested that the duo could feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy or even the India A versus Australia A ODI series in Kanpur.
“The grind of international cricket is needed. If they are fit and playing enough cricket, then yes. But anything less, and I would say no. India should move on,” Cullinan said.
The former cricketer also said the time has come to hand Shubman Gill the ODI captaincy. He felt Rohit can continue to play as an opening batter, but Gill should lead the side.
“Yes, Gill for captaincy, irrespective of whether Rohit is playing,” Cullinan said.
