Overview

• Aakash Chopra criticized Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for “playing less cricket,” citing a schedule of two months of IPL followed by roughly 10 matches across 10 months.
• Chopra still believes both have the skill and fitness to contend for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, though he called that target “a bridge too far.”
• Reports indicate the pair are expected to rejoin India for an ODI series in Australia in October, which would be their first internationals since the 2025 Champions Trophy.
• Deep Dasgupta argued retirement is the players’ decision and urged performance-based selection, suggesting domestic one-day games or overseas 50-over outings to maintain sharpness.
• Irfan Pathan said Rohit Sharma intends to continue for India and cleared a new Bronco fitness test, while warning that long gaps and a sparse ODI slate could affect rhythm.