Cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been recalled to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia, marking their first international appearance since the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes their comeback may be more about the opponents than long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The India-Australia ODI series begins on October 19, followed by five T20Is. The matches will serve as part of India’s preparation for next year’s ICC 50-over tournament in South Africa.
‘Wouldn’t have played if it was West Indies or Zimbabwe’
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said,
“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 to play.”
The BCCI selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, announced the squad on Saturday. While Agarkar refrained from confirming their World Cup roles, he said the series would offer “valuable insights” into their form and fitness.
‘Need consistent game time’
Gavaskar noted that limited ODI opportunities could make it challenging for the duo to stay sharp in the format.
“It’s not easy to be playing just seven or eight ODIs a season while preparing for something as big as a World Cup,” he said.
He also advised the senior batters to participate in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to maintain match readiness.
“They will have to play whenever it doesn’t clash with international fixtures. That’s one way to stay in trim,” Gavaskar added.