A big turn of events happened in Indian cricket when the news spread that the BCCI had indicated Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to part ways with One-Day cricket even before the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. This decision surprised everyone because it was believed for a long time that both veterans would be part of the team in that tournament.
The All India Men's Senior Selection Committee have reportedly decided that the team will be taken in a new direction going forward. In the last 14 months, Rohit and Virat have already distanced themselves from T20I and Test cricket. In such a situation, this move of the selectors shows that they now want to give a chance to new faces in ODI cricket as well.
Vijay Hazare Trophy becomes the criterion
According to reports, if both these players really want to play in the 2027 World Cup, then they will have to prove their commitment and performance by playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Rohit plays for Mumbai while Virat represents Delhi. Only by performing well in domestic cricket can they show their intention to the selectors.
Both of them performed brilliantly in the 2023 World Cup. Virat scored 765 runs in 11 innings and was the top scorer of the tournament. Rohit scored 597 runs and finished second on the list. The Indian ODI captain's performance took India to the final, but Australia won the title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Question of age and team balance
Both Rohit and Virat will be close to 40 by 2027. The selectors probably believe that it may be difficult to meet the demands of fitness and long tournaments at such an age. On the other hand, it is also important to prepare the team for the future.
Playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will not be just a matter of scoring runs, but they will have to show that they can still play with the same passion and energy. This can be the biggest way to build trust for the selectors.
If Rohit and Virat really want to play in the 2027 World Cup, they will have to play domestic cricket. They still have experience and class, but the selectors no longer seem to be in the mood to give tickets based on name alone. This is the right time for both of them to prove again with their bats that they are still the most reliable players for India.
