Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has said that the participation of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Mohammed Shami in the 2027 ODI World Cup will depend on the amount of game time they get before the tournament. Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, Pathan stressed that fitness and regular cricket will be the key for the senior trio.
Pathan explained: “Along with Virat, Rohit, I would also like to talk about Mohammed Shami, who has been a tremendous match-winner. So, for these three cricketers, the only challenge would be to play regular cricket. Otherwise, they are all outstanding. Talking about these professional cricketers, whose only focus is to play cricket for now, the biggest challenge for them would be playing regularly and staying fit.”
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20Is after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Earlier this year, during the IPL, both also stepped away from Test cricket.
Irfan further revealed that the desire these three senior players have to continue playing is remarkable. He even shared that he has spoken directly with Rohit about the matter.
“I’ve spoken to Rohit Sharma and he’s very keen about fitness. Then Virat, I am sure, is very keen as well with the way he has been seen practising in England. I have also seen a statement from Mohammed Shami which says that he’s very very keen too,” Pathan said. “The keenness is important from the player’s point of view, so this is a great thing about them – that they are in touch and working on their fitness as well. If I’m looking at things as a broadcaster, I think the game time they get on a regular basis will decide their presence in World Cup ’27.”
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