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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to hold a special and important meeting with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli once the three-match ODI series against South Africa concludes.
According to a report in the Times of India, the meeting is likely to take place in Ahmedabad, where head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and top BCCI officials will discuss the duo’s future in the ODI format with the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in mind.
Although the next World Cup is still almost two years away, the management wants clarity on how the two star players fit into the long-term plans. With age and workload becoming increasingly important factors, the board believes that both Rohit and Kohli's roles must be clearly defined.
BCCI wants clarity on RO-KO's roles
A board source quoted by TOI said the first priority is to ensure that the players are given clarity on expectations and on how the management sees their roles.
The source added that it is unfair for Rohit and Virat Kohli to continue playing 'with uncertainty,' and confirmed that Rohit has already been advised to focus solely on fitness and performance, while avoiding speculation about his future.
It is important to note that according to the same report, neither player has formally committed to playing the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The first agenda is clear. As quoted by TOI, "it is very important that players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature are given clarity on expectations and how the current management sees their roles, adding that “they can’t just be playing with uncertainty.” The same source revealed that Rohit has already been told to “just focus on his fitness and performance” while “avoiding” any reaction speculation over his future.
The team also wants Rohit Sharma to continue his fearless attacking approach, the same style that made him successful during the Champions Trophy.
A source said, “It is expected that he leads by example as a fearless batter. Conditions in Australia were difficult, but both Rohit and Kohli are expected to guide the younger batters around them.”
To maintain match fitness, the BCCI is also considering asking both players to participate in domestic tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
