In what could be a huge setback for Rohit Sharma, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is mulling establishing separate parameters to judge the Hitman and Virat Kohli over their fitness and form, departing from the previous convention. The duo, who are the most experienced of the lot in the current Indian ODI setup, retired from T20Is and Tests together, and are currently active in just the 50-over format of the game. Yet, while Virat has maintained his fitness and form, it hasn’t been the same case with Rohit. Especially, over his fitness. And now, the BCCI has been urged to start setting separate parameters.
Rohit Sharma to face the axe soon?
As per the Times of India, a BCCI source has claimed that Rohit and Virat can’t be clubbed together anymore when it comes to deciding on their future in ODIs, while pointing out that Kohli’s fitness is currently above par and better than that of other Indian cricketers. The source claimed that a firm decision needs to be taken by the BCCI and selectors on the Hitman after consulting with the medical team.
“At this moment, Kohli’s fitness and form is better than most cricketers. But one has to understand that Kohli and Rohit can’t be clubbed together anymore. A firm decision has to be taken on Rohit after consulting the BCCI medical team,” the source told the publication.
Let’s provide some context to the issue. Both stars have been adjudged on their capability to continue playing for India (in the ODI format) in a similar fashion so far. While both the cricketers have been India’s top run-getters in the ODI format since the Champions Trophy 2025, their stories have been different of late. Rohit sustained a hamstring injury that saw him miss a few IPL 2026 matches and then be used as an Impact Player in the rest of the games.
This has already sparked concerns among the selectors, who are worried that Sharma won’t be able to handle the load of playing 50 overs, especially since he would be expected to field for 50 overs as well. Kohli, on the other hand, has recorded another 500+ run season in the IPL and has been in top form, with fitness not even being a point of concern.
With a year and a handful of ODIs left before the 2027 World Cup, the selectors are now wondering if they should start considering other back-up options for openers in place of Rohit. Of course, a recent injury to Rohit is by no means an indication that he cannot play in the WC. However, the decision to judge Rohit and Kohli separately seems to be a logical one, if taken. It is pertinent to point out that Rohit will be 40-years-old at the time of the 2027 ODI World Cup. And given the age, fitness will be one of the major factors that will be monitored by the selection committee before taking a call, given the importance of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
