The ODI series against South Africa which is going to be played by India is indispensable for the players on the field but the Indian cricket might have a moment which is even more defining right after the tour is over. The senior batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are rumored to be called for a closed-door review to decide their roles in the future of the Indian ODI team, especially considering the 2027 ODI World Cup.
BCCI Intends to Conduct a High-Level Review for Rohit and Kohli
As per a Times of India article, BCCI will hold a significant meeting in Ahmedabad after the third ODI. The conversation will include the officials of the board, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The aim of the meeting is to come up with a clear plan for the two seniors of the squad.
A board source, as cited in the report, mentioned that it was very important to provide players like Rohit and Kohli complete clarity about the expectations and future plans. The source also mentioned that Rohit Sharma has been given the instruction to concentrate only on his fitness and performance on the field and that he should not react to the rumors about his future.
Concerns About Losing Their Tempo and Lack of Match Practice
Though the pair of Rohit and Kohli punching Indian cricket on the chest has gained the duo reverence, the lack of rhythm due to longer intervals between ODI appearances is the main concern of Indian cricket. Since both players are hardly playing in multiple formats, they have to break into the ODI squad after long intervals.
From insiders’ perspective, they have referred to the recent Australia ODI series. They said that in the third game, both batsmen were able to perform but only after the series was already decided. Observers reportedly felt the duo were out of form in the first two matches, and thus, the matter of consistency was raised. “You can’t afford to do that in every series,” a board member warned.
Rohit’s Batting Approach Under Discussion
Rohit Sharma’s batting style has also come under review. The team management still expects him to play the aggressive, high-tempo cricket that defined his performances during the Champions Trophy era. However, his recent outings suggested that he took longer to settle in and appeared to take fewer early risks.
The expectation remains for Rohit to continue setting the tone at the top with fearless intent.
Still Key Pillars of India’s ODI Batting Group
Despite these concerns, both Rohit and Kohli are considered essential to India’s ODI batting core, especially to guide and stabilize the younger batters around them. Their roles, insiders insist, extend beyond personal performance—they are expected to lead the batting group.
More Domestic Game Time on the Cards
To regain rhythm and match sharpness, the BCCI is likely to nudge both players toward increased participation in domestic cricket, particularly the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This would precede India’s home limited-overs series against New Zealand and a three-match ODI tour of England in July—India’s next significant 50-over assignment.
All Eyes on the Review Meeting
For now, the focus remains on the South Africa series. But the defining moment will likely occur afterwards, when two of India’s biggest modern-day stars sit down with selectors and team management to transparently discuss how long this celebrated ODI partnership can continue
