Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Face Tough Test in Domestic Cricket to Stay Fit for Australia ODIs and the 2027 World Cup

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India’s ODI team for the Australia series brought big news for fans. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back in the squad after their break since IPL 2025. However, along with their return came a strong message from former players to start playing domestic cricket to stay fit and play the 2027 World Cup.

Former Players Call for Match Practice

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan said both senior players need to focus not just on gym fitness but on match fitness. He explained that long breaks between international matches can hurt their form. Pathan added that playing domestic matches will help them stay sharp and ready for the next big event.

“Rohit and Virat want to play the 2027 World Cup,” Pathan said, “but that dream will only come true if they get enough match time through domestic cricket.”

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This message was supported by other experts, including Sunil Gavaskar, who said that playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy could help them maintain rhythm. Gavaskar pointed out that India plays very few ODIs in a year, which makes domestic cricket an important place for players to stay in touch with the game.

New Leadership Marks a Fresh Start

Meanwhile, major changes have taken place in the team setup. Shubman Gill has replaced Rohit Sharma as the new ODI captain, while Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain. The move hints at a fresh start for India’s limited-overs team and could mark the beginning of a new era.

Rohit recently led India to victory in the Champions Trophy and continues to focus on fitness. Both he and Kohli have already retired from Tests and T20Is but are holding on to ODIs. With fewer matches ahead, domestic cricket may become the best way for them to prepare for upcoming international challenges.

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The Australia ODIs, scheduled from October 19 to October 25, will be key for both players. Their performance could decide how long they remain part of India’s ODI plans. Playing in the local circuit could help them regain form and keep their World Cup 2027 hopes alive.

This advice from Pathan and Gavaskar is more than a suggestion; it is a reminder that experience alone cannot cut it. The players have to prove through domestic cricket that they are ready for the bigger tournament.