Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to return to action during India’s white-ball tour of Australia next month, but former India cricketer K. Srikkanth has suggested that the duo should play domestic cricket to regain their match rhythm before the tour. Despite having retired from T20Is and Tests, the stalwarts last played in the IPL 2025, with Kohli lifting the trophy for the first time in 18 years.
Kohli and Rohit Automatic Choices for Australia Tour
While there were reports that both players would feature in the one-day game against Australia A, neither Kohli nor Rohit was named in the India A squad, which will be led by Shreyas Iyer. Srikkanth, however, is adamant that both players should be automatic selections for the Australia ODI series and urged them to play domestic cricket to stay in form.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are superstars. In my opinion, they will be automatic choices for the Australia tour. If I was the chairman of selectors, I would make Rohit Sharma the captain for the ODI series,” Srikkanth said in his latest YouTube video.
Domestic Cricket Essential for Match Practice
Srikkanth believes that, as part of their preparation for the upcoming series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would have spoken to both players about playing domestic cricket, particularly the Vijay Hazare Trophy, to get their rhythm back.
“Ajit Agarkar would have had a word with them. The board would have asked them, ‘How are you going to plan for the series?’” Srikkanth added.
He also emphasized that domestic cricket is essential for both players to get match practice before the Australia tour. “They need match practice, and playing domestic cricket will help them prepare for the big series.”
Kohli and Rohit Preparing for the Future
Srikkanth further mentioned that Kohli may be practicing in England and Rohit at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, but playing domestic cricket will be crucial for them to get back to top form. Both players have also expressed their desire to play in the 2027 World Cup, with the hope of winning it for India.
“Kohli and Rohit are playing because they want to help win the 2027 World Cup for India. So, I will surely give them the chance to play,” Srikkanth said.
Kohli and Rohit: Extra Leverage for Their Contribution to Indian Cricket
Srikkanth, a former selector, stated that both players have earned the right to be given extra leeway due to their significant contributions to Indian cricket. “For someone like Kohli, who has done so much for India, I would give him extra leverage,” he concluded.
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