How India is planning to keep Rohit and Kohli fit for 2027 ODI World Cup?

India may have lost the three-match ODI series 1-2 against Australia, but they ended on a high note with a nine-wicket win in the third game on Saturday. Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, while Virat Kohli played a fighting 74 not out to guide India to a comfortable victory.

India will make a plan after South Africa ODIs?

With both Rohit and Kohli now focusing only on 50-over cricket, the team needs to make sure they get enough game time to stay in rhythm before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Skipper Shubman Gill said that a decision on how to keep the two legends match-ready will be made after the upcoming South Africa ODI series.

“We haven’t talked about it yet. But I think once South Africa (ODI) series is over (on December 6), there will be a gap in international cricket before the New Zealand ODI series. So I think then we will see how to keep the players in touch. Then I think a decision will be taken,” Gill said at the post-match press conference.

With only six more ODIs left before the 2027 Cricket World Cup, three against South Africa and three against New Zealand, game time is limited for the star duo. The South Africa series will take place on November 30, December 3, and December 6, followed by ODIs against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026.

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Meanwhile, both Rohit and Kohli are expected to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the BCCI’s premier 50-over tournament, to make up for the long breaks. The tournament is scheduled to take place in December, right after the South Africa ODIs. Playing a few games for their domestic teams will help them stay match-ready and in top form as they aim to play the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Kohli and Rohit returned to international cricket after over seven months. They last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy final in March. Their first match back was not ideal as Rohit was dismissed for 8 runs, while Kohli was removed for a duck. Even though Rohit scored a fifty in the next game, he was criticised for playing too slowly. Kohli, on the other hand, registered another duck.

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However, the legendary duo made a sensational comeback in the final game of the series with a ton and a half-century.