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Rohit and Virat are both hungry, and let's not stress ourselves thinking who is at risk for bye-bye

Rajgeeta Yadav

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

We often hear, “A lion runs fastest when he is hungry.” Watching Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli today, this quote feels perfectly fitting. The hunger to stay fit, perform at the highest level and continue representing India in ODIs is unmistakable. 

Age and form are often brought up as talking points, but for these two, the drive to achieve their goal, the ICC World Cup 2027 trophy, overshadows everything else.

Chasing ODI World Cup 2027 dream

Like hungry lions stalking its prey, Rohit and Virat know what it takes to succeed. Their target is clear: lift the ODI World Cup trophy, the prize that has eluded them in recent years. While India are grooming young talent and restructuring the team, the veterans remain focused, refusing to step back simply because the era is changing.

Although they won’t play as many matches as younger teammates or rival players from other nations, their commitment to ODIs is relentless. 

For the unversed, both ROKO have already retired from Tests and T20Is. Yet, they remain available for ODIs because that is the format they love and it offers the last great challenge in their careers.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return not so beautiful

After a seven-month break from international cricket, the duo returned for India’s tour of Australia, facing a strong side and high expectations. Many speculated that this would be their final ODI series. But Rohit and Virat were not thinking about retirement; they were thinking about the trophy.

Even during the Champions Trophy earlier this year in Dubai, both players showed that their hunger has not faded and gave clear signs of playing the ODI tournament.

However, Virat Kohli’s return didn’t go as planned. In the first two ODIs against Australia, he recorded consecutive ducks, his first time ever scoring back-to-back zeros in ODIs and only facing 12 deliveries across the two matches. Which immediately made the fans and experts question his form and ODI future.

Adelaide, a city that has always been a second home for Kohli, made the outcome even more painful. Over the years, he has dominated here, walking through familiar streets and many more. Yet, in this ODI series, he was trapped lbw by Xavier Bartlett and had to leave his most loved venue without scoring. This was particularly a rare and heartbreaking moment for Virat as he was so connected to the venue.

Despite these struggles, Kohli’s spirit and hunger remain intact. One poor performance cannot erase decades of excellence nor does it signal the end of his ODI journey. Like a lion pausing in the hunt, he is gathering strength for the next challenge and surely he will rise.

Rohit showed signs of not stepping away easily

Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, displayed his resilience. After losing weight and practicing intensely, reportedly shedding 10 kilograms. The former captain returned stronger in the second ODI, scoring 73 off 97 balls in Adelaide. His innings reflected both his skill and determination, silencing critics questioning his age or fitness.

The near-miss of the 2023 ODI World Cup still fuels Rohit’s fire. Coming so close to victory, yet falling short against Australia, left him hungrier than ever. His preparation, focus, and drive show that he’s not stepping away anytime soon. Rohit continues to combine experience with power hitting and tactical brilliance, making him an indispensable part of India’s ODI squad.

Why Comparing Their Hunger Isn’t Fair

Comparing Rohit and Virat’s hunger is unfair. Both have dedicated their lives to Indian cricket, built incredible legacies and continue to fight for the team’s glory. Age or a few tough games cannot measure their drive or commitment.

Stepping away from T20Is was a conscious decision, not a surrender, it allowed them to focus on ODIs, where their hearts lie. Everything they do now is driven by passion, legacy, and the dream of lifting the World Cup trophy once more. Their hunger is unique, personal, and cannot be measured against each other.

Rohit and Virat are like lions on the hunt. They may rest, they may stumble, but they remain fiercely committed to their goals. 

So please, don't shut them down as they have their eyes on the ultimate prize.