Last Updated:
Irfan Pathan has discussed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future in Indian cricket, highlighting fitness and regular play ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s international careers hang in balance (Picture credit: AFP)
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has said that for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the only challenge would be to play regular cricket ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, given that the duo have retired from T20Is and Tests, with only the two-month-long IPL and the occasional ODIs remaining for them.
The upcoming three ODIs against Australia in October carry massive significance, as they could well shape the future course of Indian cricket.
Right now, the answer to Rohit and Kohli’s future remains unclear, maybe even the duo does not know it yet.
“For Kohli and Rohit, the only challenge would be to play regular cricket. Otherwise, they are all outstanding. Talking about these professional cricketers, whose only focus is to play cricket for now, the biggest challenge for them would be playing regularly and staying fit,” Irfan said while speaking to RevSportz.
“Virat is going to play IPL only and then whenever there is First-Class cricket, but just to play and not to prove anything. So, continuing the game time will not be an easy task,” Irfan added.
“Whereas Rohit Sharma, I have spoken to him and he is very keen about fitness. Then, Virat, I am sure, is very keen as well with the way he has been seen practising in England,” Irfan said.
Kohli has been grinding in the indoor nets at Lord’s, while Rohit, fresh from a holiday, has begun training under ex-India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.
Irfan feels that Agarkar and Gambhir already have clarity on their 2027 World Cup plans, including the roles of Kohli and Rohit.
“I really think that should be the case and I hope that the communication has been very clear. Knowing Gautam (Gambhir) and Ajit (Agarkar), I think they have made it very clear in terms of communication,” Irfan said.
“And as I said, having game time regularly will keep away all sorts of challenges. If you are talking about 2027, that challenge will be there because they are not playing for India currently,” Irfan added.
Read More