Indispensable no more? Rohit and Virat will be judged on ODI form, says ex-opener

 

Former India opener Aakash Chopra said both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will come under scrutiny for their performances in one-day international (ODI) cricket going forward, adding that consistency will be their ticket to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli and Rohit have long been automatic selections in India's ODI side, but that could change as the team moves towards the next major tournament under Shubman Gill's captaincy.

In a generational shift, India named Shubman Gill as captain of the ODI team, replacing Rohit Sharma, for the upcoming three-match series in Australia starting on 19 October. The passing of the baton comes two years before the next ODI World Cup, which will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

While Gill has been elevated to the leadership role, both Rohit and Kohli have retained their places in the one-day squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar did not go into detail about the team management's plans for the two senior players with respect to the 2027 World Cup, but made it clear that their performances would be taken into account when selection decisions are made.

Rohit, who has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs, led India to Champions Trophy glory in March. However, the veteran has now been asked to make way for Gill, who is being tipped to lead India across all formats in the future. Kohli, meanwhile, enjoyed a strong Champions Trophy campaign, scoring a century and a vital 84 in the semi-final.