Mumbai, Maharashtra: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has offered crucial advice to veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as they aim to extend their careers till the 2027 ODI World Cup. Pathan emphasised that both players must participate in domestic cricket to sustain their match fitness and remain competitive for the global tournament.
Pathan’s remarks came after chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced that Shubman Gill would replace Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain, signalling a generational shift in leadership.
Pathan warns about lack of game time
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan highlighted that while both Kohli and Rohit are exceptional athletes with vast experience, irregular match participation could pose challenges to their World Cup aspirations.
“Rohit and Virat want to play the 2027 World Cup, but game fitness will be a big challenge for them. Rohit has worked well on his fitness. He is focused on that. But there is regular fitness, and then there is game-time fitness,” Pathan said.
He further added that with both players having retired from T20Is in 2024 and stepping away from Test cricket earlier in 2025, their exposure to international matches has reduced considerably. “They are not playing T20Is anymore, and there will be long gaps between the few ODIs they play. To stay sharp and ready, both need to play domestic cricket,” he explained.
The importance of domestic cricket
Pathan stressed that returning to the domestic circuit—particularly the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier List-A competition—would help both stalwarts stay in rhythm. Neither Kohli nor Rohit has featured in the tournament for several years due to their packed international schedules.
“They have to ensure some game time by playing domestic cricket. That will keep them match-ready and mentally tuned for the big stage,” he said.
Pathan noted that while the two legends have the experience and mental strength to handle pressure, consistent match exposure remains the key to maintaining peak form. “They have all the experience in the world, but only game time can keep their reflexes sharp,” he added.
New leadership under Shubman Gill
The upcoming ODI tour of Australia will mark Shubman Gill’s first assignment as India’s full-time captain in white-ball cricket. His elevation represents the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket, following the leadership tenures of Kohli and Rohit.
Pathan praised the decision, calling it a “bold but necessary step”. He said, “There is a leadership change, and Gill will now lead in both formats. This is a big opportunity but also a huge responsibility. He has to take forward Virat’s legacy in Test cricket and Rohit’s legacy in ODIs and T20Is.”
The former all-rounder expressed confidence in Gill’s ability to manage the dual burden of captaincy and batting. “This is a challenging but exciting phase for him. He’s already batting well, and now he must carry the team forward,” Pathan remarked.
Transition and future outlook
With Kohli and Rohit stepping back from multiple formats, India’s cricketing landscape is witnessing a generational transition. The team management appears focused on building a side that combines youthful energy with veteran experience, ensuring a balanced squad for future global tournaments.
Pathan concluded that if both Kohli and Rohit remain motivated and disciplined about maintaining form through domestic participation, their dream of featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup remains well within reach.