In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Daryll Cullinan suggested Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should play domestic cricket to stay in contention for ODIs.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Focus on 2027 ODI World Cup Amid Limited Matches
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are now firmly focused on the 2027 ODI World Cup, aiming to finish their careers on a high. However, the path is challenging, as there are few ODIs scheduled before the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Kohli and Rohit will get just nine matches to play until January 2026, with their next international assignment in July when India tour England for three ODIs.
Reports recently suggested that Rohit and Kohli might play their last ODI series against Australia in October, with management possibly looking past them for the 50-over format. There are also claims that they could be asked to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they hope to extend their careers and feature in the World Cup.
Both legends have begun training for their upcoming assignments, with Virat in London and Rohit in Mumbai. Pre-season fitness tests have been conducted, including Rohit’s Yo-Yo test at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence and Virat’s assessments in London.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan highlighted the importance of consistent competitive cricket for maintaining form and fitness. “From an ability and experience point of view, they could play, I don’t think there’s any doubt. But they’d have to be on the ground of international cricket. No matter how good you are, thinking you can just play a few games without putting in the hours and expect to perform—it doesn’t work that way,” he said.
‘Rohit and Kohli need to play a serious amount of cricket’: Cullinan
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is scheduled for December-January, and it remains uncertain whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will participate before India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand. If they aim to maximize playing time, they could also feature in the India A versus Australia A ODI series in Kanpur later this year—a move many believe would help them regain rhythm and match fitness.
Former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan strongly supports this approach, stressing the need for consistent competitive cricket to maintain form. “They need to have played a serious amount of cricket, especially going into the World Cup, to be in the right physical and mental frame of mind. Anything less, and I’d say no—India move on, because that certainly doesn’t work,” he said.
Cullinan also emphasized the importance of leadership succession, suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar should hand ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill, while Rohit continues as an opening batter. “Yes, Gill for captaincy, irrespective of whether Rohit is playing,” he concluded.
