Overview

• Pathan says only sustained match exposure and physical readiness will determine whether Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami make India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
• The three ODIs in Australia starting October 19 are framed as an early test, marking Rohit and Kohli’s first India games since the Champions Trophy win.
• With Tests and T20Is behind them and roughly 27 ODIs slated before 2027, Pathan warns that maintaining consistent one-day rhythm will be the main challenge for the senior batters.
• Pathan suggests Kohli may largely limit himself to the IPL with occasional first-class outings, which could complicate his match sharpness, while noting Rohit’s strong focus on fitness.
• Shami’s pathway hinges on lasting fitness after a prolonged ankle layoff, and while Pathan believes the Gambhir–Agarkar axis has clear plans, talk of AGM decisions ending ODI careers remains unconfirmed.