Follow UsFormer India opener and selector Kris Srikkanth believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are automatic picks in the One-Day International (ODI) team, but feels they should play domestic cricket in order to stay match fit.
Two of India's most prolific batters in the recent past have not played competitive cricket since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 in early June. However, they have been training - Rohit at the NCA and Kohli in the UK.
"The chairman and the board will have a word with them and say that ' you guys will have to come and start playing domestic cricket because it is good for you and the team. They need match practice, and they will come and do it," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, as per India Today.
"Kohli may be practising in England, and Rohit might be doing the same at the NCA. They will be preparing for it. The fact that they said they're available and want to play the 2027 World Cup, hoping that they can win it for the team at that time. That's why they're playing. So I will surely give them the chance to play."
Srikkanth feels all the rumours regarding Rohit and Kohli's future should be put to rest and believes that the former will continue to lead the team until the 2027 World Cup.
"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are superstars. In my opinion, they will be automatic choices for the Australia tour. If I were the chairman of selectors, I would make Rohit Sharma as the captain for the Australia ODI series. Now you're saying rumours about their futures. They should be playing," he said.
"You should tell them to play domestic cricket in the ODI format. Tell them to play Vijay Hazare Trophy to get back in rhythm. They themselves know it. They were two big captains of the current era. For a person like Kohli, who have done so much for India, I will give extra leverage surely."
Rohit and Kohli will be in action against Australia in a three-match ODI series from October 19 to 25.