Sunil Gavaskar shares concerns about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

The upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19, will mark the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This will be their first appearance for the country since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.

They are no longer in leadership positions and it’s unclear if they will feature in the 2027 World Cup. Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary former India cricketer, has raised caution about their long-term future.

“It largely depends on how many one-day matches India play in the coming years,” Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.

“Let’s be honest, it’s not simple to play only seven or eight ODIs in a season while preparing for something as major as a World Cup,” Gavaskar added.

Gavaskar pointed out that Kohli and Rohit may have to stay active and keep themselves in good shape by playing in domestic competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

“Players nearing the end of their careers don’t get much exposure or practice. They will need to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy whenever it’s scheduled, as long as it doesn’t overlap with international ODI events. That’s one way to stay in form and keep up with match practice,” Gavaskar concluded.