When senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are involved, questions rarely remain unanswered for long and former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that chapter is firmly closed. Speaking about India’s senior batters and the team’s immediate future, Irfan made it clear that the experience and class of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leave no room for doubt, even after time away from international cricket.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played for India during the three-match home ODI series against South Africa, which concluded on December 6. After that break, both the batters returned to action in domestic cricket, representing their respective teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. The comeback could not have gone better as both the players struck centuries during the group stage before joining the Indian squad in Vadodara ahead of the opening match of the new ODI series.
Irfan Pathan shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel, explaining that while returning after a break can be challenging for any player, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are far too experienced to struggle. According to him, their preparation and mindset ensure they remain ready whenever they step back onto the international stage.
He also pointed out that the ODI calendar is entering a quieter phase. After the current series, India will not play another ODI for nearly six months. Attention will soon shift to the T20 format, with the T20 World Cup 2026 and the Indian Premier League 2026 taking centre stage. India’s next ODI assignment is scheduled for July 2026, when the team tours England for a white-ball series.
The upcoming matches are also significant because they mark the return of captain Shubman Gill from injury. Shubman Gill is set to lead India in ODIs at home for the first time and will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing debut captaincy series in Australia last year. Irfan acknowledged that Shubman Gill has had setbacks, including losing his place in the T20I side, but stressed that the ODI format suits him best.
With Shubman Gill’s return, Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to sit out, a tough call but one Irfan described as unavoidable. He added that Shubman Gill’s journey toward leading India into the ODI World Cup 2027 effectively begins now, making this phase crucial for both the player and the team.
Irfan Pathan certainly makes sense, agree?
