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Irfan Pathan discusses Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s fitness challenges ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup and their plans to continue playing ODIs.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma last played an ODI match for India on March 9, 2025. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has said that the newly-introduced fitness test isn’t easy and might be tough for a few players and with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli aiming to play the 2027 ODI World Cup, a lot will depend on whether the duo can hold on to their fitness levels without playing much cricket.
Pathan revealed that Rohit, who has retired from T20Is and Tests, wants to continue playing ODIs for as long as he can. However, he noted that getting regular game time could be a challenge for both Rohit and Kohli.
Rohit and Kohli have retired from T20Is and Tests, which leaves them with just the IPL and the occasional ODIs to play till the World Cup.
“This new (fitness) test is obviously not easy, so once you can clear it, that means your fitness is top-notch. I had a long call with him as well as far as just to know about his plans; he’s very keen,” Irfan said while speaking on an interaction organised by Sony Sports.
“He wants to make sure that he continues playing. As long as the player is fit, the age doesn’t matter. But the challenge will be for him to have a game-time. Playing for India, I don’t think there will be any issues with the motivation,” Irfan added.
“Be it Rohit. Be it Virat or be it Mohammed Shami as well. How much game-time they will have and how much they can continue playing cricket in whatever form, because they have retired from Tests (and) T20Is as well,” Pathan said.
Rohit and Kohli are expected to return to international cricket in the ODI tour of Australia next month.
Kohli was spotted practising in London, while Rohit trained with former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar.
Kohli and Rohit’s last ODI appearance was in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, where India had a triumphant campaign.
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