A defining moment for two Indian greats
As India prepares to face Australia in a high-profile ODI series, all eyes are on two of Indian cricket’s most decorated players — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. After stepping away from the Test and T20I formats, the upcoming series marks their return to international cricket after nearly eight months, and possibly a pivotal point in determining whether they remain in India’s long-term ODI plans.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes this tour will offer the clarity both players are seeking as they weigh their futures. Speaking to reporters in Sydney during the Kayo Sports Summer of Cricket launch on Monday, Shastri emphasized that while experience is irreplaceable in high-pressure games, it will ultimately come down to personal assessment after the series.
“That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go.”
Shastri added that it will be up to Kohli and Rohit to reflect on their readiness, referencing Australia’s Steve Smith as a parallel case.
“They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it’s their call. (It’s) the same thing with Steve Smith (who retired from ODIs in March) from Australia’s point of view. At that age, you’ve got to enjoy it and (you’ve) still got to have the hunger.”
Yet, Shastri underlined that experience still counts on the biggest stages — a quality both players have repeatedly proven.
“But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.”
Young stars turning up the heat
While the spotlight remains on the veterans, Shastri was equally effusive in his praise for the next generation. India’s white-ball squad has seen strong performances from the likes of Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill — all of whom are pushing for permanent spots in the XI.
“Varma’s innings in that Asia Cup final was absolutely fantastic. Because under pressure to play like that (was impressive). There’s some good young guns there in (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, there’s (Shubman) Gill, there’s Tilak Varma. A lot of good young talent and lot of allrounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, so it’s a strong white-ball unit. India is much stronger in white ball than red ball. Rohit Sharma … Virat Kohli … they know that these youngsters are pushing them,” Shastri told cricket.com.au in Sydney during the Kayo Sports Summer of Cricket launch on Monday.
India’s generational shift in white-ball cricket is well underway, but the selection of both Rohit and Kohli for this series suggests the door remains open — for now.
Kumble urges focus on enjoyment, not 2027
Former India head coach Anil Kumble took a more philosophical tone when addressing the long-term futures of Kohli and Rohit. Speaking on JioHotstar during the lunch interval on Day 4 of the second Test between India and West Indies in Delhi, Kumble advised the duo to enjoy their current phase rather than obsess over the next World Cup.
“Let’s just celebrate the two players on the field. They have done so much for Indian cricket over the years. You don’t know if… yes, in their heads, they have been thinking of 2027 [World Cup], but it’s still a couple of years from now. There are matches; all you need to do is go out there and enjoy, and now that Rohit is no longer the captain, even the burden and responsibility of captaining is not on him. So, it’s just about batting and enjoying every moment that they have on the field. I don’t think they need to think too far ahead in terms of 2027. Both these guys have the experience; ideally, you’d want them to be part of the line-up, but it’s better played by the year.”
Kumble acknowledged that both players will want to push for another World Cup appearance, but reminded that the immediate challenge lies in short-term preparation and performance.
“They just need to do what they need to in terms of preparing for an ODI six months down the line; that’s going to be the challenge. They would want to play until the 2027 World Cup and win it – that’s something that did not happen in 2023, with Australia holding the trophy. But like I said, these two players have been champions, and Australia will turn up in numbers to watch them play.”
Harbhajan backs Kohli to rise again
Offering a player’s perspective, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed strong support for Virat Kohli’s return. Speaking on JioHotstar, Harbhajan emphasized that Kohli’s history of thriving under pressure makes him particularly dangerous in a high-stakes series like this one.
“Some players thrive when things get difficult; that’s when they bring out their best. And Virat Kohli is one of those players. He shines on big occasions, and that’s what sets him apart from others. He waits for those big opportunities, those high-pressure games, and that’s when he shows why he’s a champion.”
Harbhajan believes Australia is the ideal stage for Kohli’s comeback and even forecasted standout performances.
“When you perform against the best, that’s when you earn respect, and he’s earned that, especially after scoring those hundreds in Australia and taking on the responsibility of leading the team. Those are the challenges he looks forward to. Australia is his favourite hunting ground, and now he’s making his comeback after the IPL. I’m really looking forward to seeing him bat in those three ODIs, and hopefully, out of those three, he gets at least two centuries for India.”
Gambhir: success now matters more than 2027 speculation
India head coach Gautam Gambhir, meanwhile, maintained a pragmatic stance about the future of both Rohit and Kohli. Speaking in a post-match press conference after India’s series win over West Indies in Delhi, Gambhir reiterated that selection for the 2027 World Cup cannot be predicted this far in advance.
“They are quality players, and their experience will be invaluable. With the 2027 World Cup still 2.5 years away, it’s important to stay focused on the present. Kohli and Rohit are both exceptional players, and their return will be a big boost. Hopefully, they have a successful tour, and more importantly, the team comes out with a strong series performance in Australia.”
Gambhir’s message was clear — current form, fitness, and team performance are the only criteria that matter for now. As the transition continues and a new leadership core develops around Shubman Gill, India’s focus appears set on performance over legacy.
