Dhawan Backs Experienced Rohit, Kohli to Handle Reduced ODI Cricket Ahead of 2027 World Cup
Former India opener says seasoned players know how to convert challenge into opportunity as they build towards next global event
L'essentiel
- Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to handle the reduced frequency of ODI cricket ahead of the 2027 World Cup, citing their experience and professionalism.
- Dhawan, who himself became a one-format player later in his career, acknowledged that limited match exposure can disrupt rhythm but emphasized that seasoned players like Rohit and Kohli are well-equipped to convert the challenge into an opportunity.
- He highlighted Rohit's fitness transformation and noted that the scheduling leading up to the 2027 World Cup will provide them ample match time.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, who himself spent the latter part of his career as a one-format player, understands the challenge of maintaining rhythm with limited match exposure. Both Rohit and Kohli have been in strong ODI form recently, with Kohli especially in outstanding touch.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan believes the reduced frequency of ODI cricket will not trouble Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup, pointing to their experience and professionalism as key factors.
Having himself spent the latter part of his career as a one-format player, Dhawan admitted that limited match exposure can affect rhythm. Speaking to PTI, he reflected on the challenge of staying in flow when opportunities are spaced out.
"Yes, when you play one format at the International level, your flow does get disrupted," Dhawan said. He explained that players often shift focus towards maintaining peak fitness during such phases, especially when matches are not frequent.
However, he made it clear that seasoned players like Rohit and Kohli are well-equipped to handle that challenge.
"So players focus on fitness because you are not playing too many games. You are talking about Rohit and Virat and they are matured individuals. It is a challenge but they know how to convert challenge into an opportunity.
"If you look at their fitness, Virat was always fit but Rohit has undergone tremendous transformation," he added.
Dhawan also highlighted how the scheduling in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup should work in their favour, ensuring both players get enough time in the middle to find rhythm.
"Now with 2027 WC round the corner, they will get to play a lot of ODI matches. If you look at the time when I became a one format player, there were back to back T20 World Cups (2021 and 22) and I was playing ODIs which were few and far between. So matches wont be a problem for Rohit and Virat and there's enough time for the event."
Both Rohit and Kohli have been in strong ODI form in recent times. Rohit, who led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title before being replaced by Shubman Gill as captain in October, enjoyed a productive year. He scored 650 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50, including two centuries and four fifties. However, his most recent series against New Zealand saw a dip, where he managed just 61 runs in three matches at an average of 20.33.
Kohli, on the other hand, has been in outstanding touch in the format. In 2025, he amassed 651 runs in 13 matches at an average of 65.10, with three centuries and four fifties. He carried that form into 2026 as well, scoring 240 runs at an average of 80 in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January.
With form and experience on their side, both veterans appear well-placed as India build towards the next global event.
Questions ouvertes
- How will the BCCI schedule ODIs to ensure both players get enough match time?
- Will Rohit regain his form after the dip against New Zealand?