Keeping Rohit and Virat fit for ODIs will be a big challenge – Former head coach made a big statement

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the greatest cricketers in Indian history, have recently retired from both T20 Internationals and Test cricket, marking the end of an era. Their decision has now left the spotlight on their ODI future, with many wondering how long the two stalwarts will continue playing in the 50-over format. Former India coach and legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble has weighed in on this topic, expressing both concern and admiration. Kumble emphasized that while maintaining top fitness levels in ODIs will be challenging for both players, their achievements deserve to be celebrated throughout the remainder of their careers.

Both Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket in June 2025, nearly a year after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup. Now, their focus is entirely on ODIs, the only international format they remain active in. However, their future in this format is uncertain. The next major 50-over tournament, the ICC World Cup 2027, is still more than a year away. As of now, their last ODI appearances were during the Champions Trophy in March 2025.

Despite their age and the challenges of staying fit without regular competitive cricket in other formats, both veterans delivered strong performances in the Champions Trophy. Kohli was instrumental in India’s semi-final win over Australia, finishing as the top scorer, while Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match in the final against New Zealand for his brilliant knock of 76 runs. These performances showed that they still have what it takes to excel at the highest level, but questions about longevity and fitness remain.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Anil Kumble addressed the future of these two icons. He acknowledged the difficulty of staying match-fit for ODI cricket, especially when not engaged in the day-to-day grind of Test or T20 formats. “In terms of preparing for ODI cricket, it is not easy to just do what you have to do or what is going to happen six months later,” Kumble said. “It will be a challenge no matter who you are and how well you have built your career over the last few years.”

However, Kumble was quick to underline that both Kohli and Rohit are champion players who know what it takes to stay at the top. “They know how they have to play, and it is important to celebrate champion players as long as they play,” he added. Kumble also stressed that fans and critics alike must cherish the presence of these cricketing legends, instead of constantly dissecting every performance or questioning their place in the team.

Looking ahead, Kumble hoped that both players would aim to continue until the 2027 World Cup. “Ideally, they would like to play till the 2027 World Cup,” he said. “Because something like this—India not winning the ODI World Cup since 2011—has not happened.” Rohit Sharma, in particular, has a personal goal of clinching the ODI World Cup, a trophy that has eluded him despite being vice-captain in 2019 and captain in 2023. That missed opportunity could motivate him to push forward for one last campaign.

As fans reflect on the legacy of Kohli and Rohit, it’s clear that their presence in Indian cricket is not just about the runs they score, but the aura and leadership they bring to the field. Whether or not they make it to the 2027 World Cup, the remaining years of their careers deserve appreciation and celebration.