As expected, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been picked in the Indian squad for the Australia ODIs, starting October 19. Yes, the captaincy in the format has gone to Shubman Gill, but Rohit retains his place purely as a batter, and so does Kohli. And why not.. both have stellar records in the format, in fact, it is their most preferred format too.
Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma, the Best in ODIs
Rohit Sharma in 273 matches has scored 11168 runs at an average of 48, with 32 tons and 58 fifties, Virat Kohli has been even a notch higher with over 14000 runs in 302 matches, at an average of 58, and 51 tons & 74 fifties to go with it. But in the lead up to the 2027 World Cup, what might just remain a big hurdle for them is — they might be short on match practice.
This year, after the three ODIs against AUS, India play three vs South Africa. Next year would be a few as well. In between, there isn’t any international cricket for the two.. so, how do they stay in touch. The answer lies in playing domestic cricket, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear, that if not playing other formats, the duo will have to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Participation on Cards?
At the press conference on Saturday, Agarkar made it clear, that if free, it is compulsory for players to play in domestic cricket. “We have made it clear that if guys are free they should be playing domestic cricket,” Agarkar said. But here, the biggest hurdle could be, it has been years, since the duo participated in the VHT.
Kohli last played in the championship way back in 2010, when he led Delhi against Services, and scored 16 runs. On the other hand, Rohit played in the tournament in 2018, in the semis against Hyderabad, where he scored 17. So, if they stay reluctant to play the domestic matches, as has been the trend, they could very well be sidelined from the ODIs too.
It was expected that they would turn up for the IND A vs AUS A series, as part of their preparation, but that did not happen as well, raising further doubts, if they will be keen to play the VHT.
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