Multiple stars made their mark as India leveled the five-Test series against England 2-2. Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered two centuries and a couple of fifties. Shubman Gill starred with four centuries, including a double-ton, and 754 runs.
Washington Sundar never faltered despite Mohammed Siraj bowling nearly 200 overs and lugging his exhausted body through five Test matches. Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep exceeded their expectations, and Sai Sudharsan provided brief indications of his potential in the long run.
These were good signs for the Indian team in transition without established veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from the format, and R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket.
However, questions now arise about what will happen to the future of Kohli and Rohit, who retired from T20Is last year and only play in one format—ODI. They were part of India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win, and since then, they haven’t played any cricket.
During the upcoming three-match away ODI series against Australia and three more one-day matches at home against South Africa, Kohli, 36, and Rohit, 38, may be seen in action. They then have the opportunity to play in six One-Day Internationals (ODIs) between January and July 2026 against England (away) and New Zealand (home).
But will they be prepared for the 50-over World Cup in South Africa in 2027 with that kind of build-up? Will the illustrious pair want to stay that long based on the IPL and just one format?
"Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup (November 2027). Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so there has to be a clear plan ahead for the big event, as our last win was in 2011. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time,” a source indicated to PTI.
Will the former captains be allowed to choose a place and time on their own to move out, or will they be phased out with the future in mind?
“Look, both Kohli and Rohit have made huge contributions to white-ball cricket for the team and the sport in general. They have achieved almost everything. So, I don't think anybody's going to force their hand, but there will be some honest and professional conversations before the next ODI cycle starts to see where they stand mentally and physically. It depends on that,” he added.
The other problem is that Rohit and Kohli haven't played much since the Champions Trophy in March. Before the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20s in November, there are no domestic white-ball tournaments.
A player who is fully fit cannot miss domestic matches, according to the current BCCI regulation, and failure to comply may result in exclusion from national teams. Even if Rohit and Kohli's prominence may provide them with an exemption, if that is the case.
(PTI inputs)
