BCCI to Chart Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s ODI Future in High-Level Meet

The Indian board BCCI planned a meeting to define the roles of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 World Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold a high-level meeting after the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. The agenda is to decide the future roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the one-day team. The discussion, focused on the 2027 World Cup, will involve selectors and the team management.

The meeting is likely in Ahmedabad after the third ODI in Visakhapatnam. Top BCCI officials, coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are expected to attend. There has been no formal talk with the senior players about the next World Cup plan. The team management is reportedly identifying backup players for the duo.

Gambhir, Agarkar Need to Get Their Act Right

A BCCI source emphasized the need for clear communication with the star players. “It is very important that players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature are given clarity about what is expected of them and how the current management views their roles. They can’t just be playing with uncertainty,” the source said.

The board has advised Rohit to focus on his game and not on speculation. Officials plan to share the selectors’ concerns directly with both players. A key worry is their form after long breaks, as they now only play one format. “They did score runs in the third ODI in Australia. But the series was already lost and the match was set up by the bowlers in the first innings. They looked rusty in the first two matches. One can’t afford that in every series,” a source noted.

The team expects Rohit Sharma to return to his aggressive batting style. His cautious approach in Australia was noted. “It is expected that he continues to lead by example as a fearless batter at the top of the order. The conditions were tough in Australia but it did look like he was avoiding taking risks. Both are expected to lead the batting to make it easier for the rest of the younger batters around them,” said sources.

Another issue is their match fitness outside international games. The board would have preferred they play in England during the summer. They are now likely to be advised to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. India’s next ODI series is in England in July.