'Whatever opportunity they get...': Sourav Ganguly's massive advice to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to stay in contention for 2027 ODI World Cup

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly advised batting greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to remain fit and keep performing if they want to play cricket for a longer period of time. He suggested that the veterans play domestic cricket whenever they get an opportunity to do so. Notably, the duo has already retired from Tests and T20Is, so they will only be seen featuring in ODIs.

Rohit and Virat's last international outing

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's last international outing came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, where India defeated New Zealand in the final to win the title. Rohit was awarded Player of the Match in the title decider for his 76 off 83 runs at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.

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"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 the touch and the form and the contact. It is everything in life. You have to keep doing it. They have to play domestic cricket. That’s what it is. If they keep doing and performing, they will play for India,” Ganguly said as quoted by Indian Express.

Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in domestic cricket?

Yes, Rohit and Virat will likely be seen featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 before the New Zealand ODI series, which is scheduled to take place in January. Delhi and Mumbai will play at least six rounds of Vijay Hazare Trophy games between the conclusion of South Africa ODIs and the start of the New Zealand leg. The national selectors reportedly expect that the ageing duo will play in the ODI event.

Rohit and Virat's last VHT clash

Rohit and Virat's last Vijay Hazare Trophy outing came in 2010 and 2018, respectively. Virat captained Delhi in that clash and Rohit in two games, as he wasn’t a regular test player at the time. Playing for Mumbai, the opener remained unbeaten on 33 in the quarter-final against Bihar. He managed 17 off 24 in the semi-final against Hyderabad.