Former India opening batter Shikhar Dhawan is confident that the lower cadence of ODI cricket will not derail Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they turn their attention toward the 2027 World Cup. In his view, the pair’s long international careers and their ability to remain professional through changing workloads should help them preserve the rhythm that comes naturally when matches arrive more regularly. Dhawan, who spent the later stages of his own career operating largely as a specialist in one format, acknowledged that reduced match exposure can unsettle a batter’s timing and flow.
Speaking on the challenge of staying “in the zone” when opportunities are spaced out, Dhawan said that when a player is restricted to a single format at the international level, the usual momentum can be interrupted. He added that, during stretches with fewer games, teams and individuals often place a heavier emphasis on fitness—an approach that can keep players ready, even if the competitive rhythm is harder to maintain. Still, Dhawan stressed that established campaigners such as Rohit and Kohli are equipped to meet the problem head-on and convert it into something positive.
“So players focus on fitness because you are not playing too many games,” Dhawan said, pointing to the maturity of both Rohit and Kohli. While he called the situation a genuine challenge, he believes the experience of the two senior India stars gives them the know-how to manage it and use the extra preparation time to their advantage. Dhawan also referenced their physical readiness, noting that Kohli has typically remained extremely fit, while Rohit has undergone a significant evolution in his conditioning over the years.
Looking ahead to the run-up to the 2027 World Cup, Dhawan suggested that the scheduling should ultimately support both batters. With more ODI fixtures expected closer to the tournament, he believes Rohit and Kohli will get ample chances to find their rhythm through repeated match practice. Dhawan compared the situation to his own transition period as a one-format player, when the calendar featured back-to-back T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022 while ODI opportunities were comparatively rare. In that context, he argued that the upcoming ODI stretch should remove the concern that limited games would become a lasting issue for Rohit and Kohli, especially with sufficient time before the event.
Dhawan’s comments land as both Rohit and Kohli have shown strong form in recent ODI cricket. Rohit, who captained India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title before being replaced by Shubman Gill as skipper in October, enjoyed a productive season overall. He struck 650 runs across 14 matches at an average of 50, including two centuries and four fifties. However, his latest series against New Zealand reflected a brief dip in output, where he managed 61 runs in three matches at an average of 20.33.
Kohli, meanwhile, has continued to look highly effective in the format. In 2025, he scored 651 runs in 13 ODI matches at an average of 65.10, featuring three centuries and four fifties. He carried that momentum into 2026 as well, registering 240 runs at an average of 80 during a three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January.
With their experience front and centre—and their recent ODI runs providing further evidence of form—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli look set to navigate the build-up to the 2027 World Cup with confidence. As India plan their path toward the next major global tournament, Dhawan’s central point remains that while fewer ODIs can affect rhythm, the right preparation, fitness focus, and eventual increase in match play should put the two senior batters in a strong position when it matters most.
