New Delhi: As India prepare to begin their 2026 international campaign with a home white-ball series against New Zealand, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced his hope that senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue playing for the national side for as long as possible. With the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in mind, Pathan stressed the importance of sustained match practice for the veteran duo, including participation in domestic cricket when they are not on international duty.

India’s 2026 season will commence with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, marking the return of Rohit and Kohli in India colours. The series is also seen as an early step in India’s long-term planning for the next World Cup cycle.

Pathan stresses match practice for senior players

Speaking on JioStar, Irfan Pathan underlined that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently active primarily in the ODI format, making regular competitive cricket even more important for maintaining rhythm and fitness.

“You definitely want to think about the ICC 2027 ODI World Cup. It is far away, but I just want to see both Rohit and Kohli playing for the longest time, for India and when not playing international cricket, in domestic cricket. They are playing just one format and nothing else, so the more they play, the better it is,” Pathan said.

Pathan’s comments come at a time when workload management and selective participation have become common among senior international cricketers. While such approaches help prolong careers, Pathan believes that consistent game time is crucial for players who are expected to anchor India’s batting line-up in major tournaments.

Importance of experience ahead of 2027 World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain two of India’s most experienced and successful batters in the ODI format. Their presence provides stability and leadership to a side that is gradually transitioning, with younger players being groomed for future leadership roles.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup still over a year away, Pathan feels this is the phase where preparation, form, and fitness must be carefully balanced. He suggested that domestic cricket offers an ideal platform for senior players to stay match-ready, especially during gaps in the international calendar.

India’s selectors and team management have often emphasised continuity and experience in ICC tournaments, and the former all-rounder’s remarks echo a broader sentiment among fans and experts who want to see the senior duo extend their careers through the next global event.

Shubman Gill’s growing leadership role

Pathan also spoke at length about Shubman Gill, who has emerged as a key figure in India’s leadership group. Gill has already taken on captaincy responsibilities in both Test and ODI cricket, and Pathan acknowledged the challenges that come with leading the national team at a young age.

Reflecting on his own early days in international cricket, Pathan recalled advice he received from Rahul Dravid when he was first picked at the age of 19.

“When I was picked for the first time, at 19 years of age, the great Rahul Dravid said, ‘Irfan, it’s good that you have reached this level, but things will only get difficult from here on.’ Upon asking him what should I do if things do get difficult, he replied, ‘You will get used to handling it…’ and the same will happen with Shubman Gill,” Pathan said.

He pointed out that Gill’s recent performances, particularly on the England tour, have helped him grow both as a batter and as a leader.

“One good thing that happened on the England tour for Shubman was that his Test average improved, and his authority over the team also increased. Now he also has the responsibility in ODIs and it is a huge opportunity for him to grow,” Pathan added.

Handling comparisons with Virat Kohli

Addressing comparisons between Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, Pathan said such expectations are inevitable for players of exceptional talent. He noted that Kohli himself faced constant comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar during his rise, and similar scrutiny now follows Gill.

“He is immensely talented, there is no question about that, and comparisons are inevitable. Virat Kohli was constantly compared to Sachin Tendulkar and was expected to perform at that level. Now that Kohli has reached those heights, Gill is being compared to him,” Pathan said.

He further backed Gill’s ability to meet those lofty expectations over time. “There are expectations that he must match those standards and score close to 25,000–30,000 runs and he certainly has the ability to do so,” he added.

Conclusion

As India embark on a new season with an eye firmly on the 2027 ODI World Cup, Irfan Pathan’s remarks highlight the importance of experience, continuity, and preparation. While young leaders like Shubman Gill represent the future, the former all-rounder believes that the continued presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be vital in guiding the team through the next phase. For Pathan, seeing the senior duo play longer — and play more — could make a significant difference to India’s World Cup ambitions.