‘They have to play’: Sourav Ganguly tells Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to hit domestic cricket to keep their ODI spots ahead of IND vs AUS

Divy Dubey

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‘They have to play’: Sourav Ganguly tells Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to hit domestic cricket to keep their ODI spots ahead of IND vs AUS image

With India set to tour Australia for a three-match ODI series starting October 19, followed by five T20Is, all eyes are once again on the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 50-over format.

The selectors' decision to hand Shubman Gill the ODI captaincy has sparked debate over the long-term plans for India's senior duo, especially with the 2027 World Cup still two years away. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly weighed in on the matter - and his message was clear.

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Sourav Ganguly on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI future

Ganguly said the final call on Kohli and Rohit's places in the ODI setup will depend on two key factors: fitness and performance. He emphasized that both senior players must stay active by participating in domestic cricket to maintain their rhythm and form.

“As I said, it depends on how fit they (Rohit and Virat) remain and how much performance they keep doing. Whatever opportunity they get, they have to play domestic cricket. Because cricket is a sport where you have to keep playing - otherwise, you lose touch, form, and contact. If they keep performing, they will play for India. That's what it is,” Ganguly said.

More: ‘Selection is not in my hands’: Mohammad Shami breaks silence after India omit him for Australia tour

Saurav Ganguly backs selectors' decision to move on from Rohit Sharma as ODI captain

While Rohit's replacement as ODI skipper raised eyebrows, Ganguly dismissed any notion of conflict. He called it a mutual and pragmatic move.

He praised Rohit's leadership record and recent success, including India's T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy titles.

“I'm sure Rohit must have been spoken to. It's not a sacking - it must have been mutual. He has been an outstanding leader. In two years' time, he will be 40, and that's a big number in sport,” Ganguly said.

More: ‘There is not much communication’: R Ashwin slams team’s messaging on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli ahead of AUS vs IND 2025 ODIs

He added that every great player eventually faces the same transition, comparing the situation to legends like Federer, Nadal, and Maradona who too had to move on.

With the 2027 World Cup in South Africa approaching, Ganguly's comments underline the growing push for India's seniors to prove their readiness through domestic cricket.

Both Rohit and Kohli are expected to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy before the Australia series - a crucial opportunity to tune up and make their case in the format they now solely represent.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.