“Need regular game time”: Ex-India all-rounder sounds alarm for Rohit-Kohli duo on form and fitness

Cricket fans in India feel excited about the white-ball matches against Australia starting on October 19. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play ODIs after a break since March, and everyone wants to see them shine. But former player Irfan Pathan worries they might not be fully ready because they lack recent game time after IPL 2025. He says they need to play more to stay fit and sharp for significant events like the 2027 World Cup.

Irfan Pathan stresses game-time sharpness for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Irfan Pathan talked about how daily gym work helps, but real games build proper skills for stars like Rohit and Kohli. Rohit has gotten much fitter lately, yet Pathan feels he needs actual play to feel the game speed again. Kohli stays super fit all the time, but after four months off, both could lose their edge without practice matches. Pathan shared this on his YouTube show to help them prepare well.

He adds that skipping T20Is makes their breaks even longer between ODIs. So, they should join home games like the Vijay Hazare Trophy for steady action. This way, they can keep their form strong for the World Cup dream. 

“Rohit has worked well on his fitness. He is focused on that. But there is regular fitness, and then there is game-time fitness. If you are not playing regular cricket, you have to ensure some game time. They have to play domestic cricket,” said Pathan on his YouTube channel. Pathan believes their huge experience helps, but extra play ensures top shape.

Shubman Gill emerges as an ODI leader amid a transitional phase

Shubman Gill now leads India in ODIs for this Australia trip, showing trust from the team bosses. He already captains Tests and helps in T20Is, and his good play in England boosted his role. In the Asia Cup 2025, Gill did okay, and fans will watch how he handles tough Aussie bowlers. The tour has three ODIs first, then five T20Is to test the young side.

Gill takes over from Rohit in this format, bringing calm plans and new ideas to the group. With seniors like Kohli back slowly, Gill must unite everyone for wins. This series checks if he fits bigger leader jobs ahead. 

“They are big players and know what to do. They have all the experience in the world. But they are not even playing T20Is, so there will be big gaps between the few matches that they play before the big World Cup. They will need regular game time to be fit for that. Only then will their dream to play the 2027 World Cup come true,” he added.