India’s cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are now exclusively playing One Day Internationals (ODIs) after retiring from Test and T20 cricket. Following India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024, both players retired from T20s, and they announced their Test retirements during IPL 2025. Currently, both veterans remain active only in the ODI format.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel recently addressed questions about whether these former captains will feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Morkel on Virat and Rohit
At a press conference ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, Morkel said:
“They are phenomenal players. All they need is to maintain their hard work and fitness. Experience counts a lot, and it’s something you cannot replace. They have won trophies and know how to handle big tournaments.”
He added, “If they feel mentally and physically ready, there’s no reason they shouldn’t play. The World Cup is still far away, so they have plenty of time to prepare. I’ve played against them in many matches, and as a bowler, you have to be extremely prepared. Facing them tests every skill you have.”
ODI Series Against South Africa Starts 30th November
India will kick off a three-match ODI series against South Africa on Sunday, 30th November, with the first game in Ranchi. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were seen practicing extensively in the nets ahead of the series, signaling their determination to stay in peak form.
As the cricketing world looks ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, the fitness and form of Kohli and Sharma will be crucial for India’s hopes on the global stage.
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