Yograj Singh On Rohit Kohli (Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com, @Mahiyank_78/x.com)
After hanging up boots from Test and T20Is, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have set their sights on the ODI format as the ODI World Cup is coming in 2027. With the marquee event still a few years away, questions are emerging about how long they can sustain their impact in ODIs.
As the buzz is going over, Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, fired shots at the duo. In a recent interaction, he urged them to deliver their best performances in the ODI format.
Yograj Singh on Virat-Rohit’s ODI Future
After stepping away from the longer and shorter formats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have solely concentrated on the 50-over format, aiming for a final shot at the upcoming 2027 World Cup. Even after the duo cleared the fitness Test last week, questions linger over how long they’ll remain key figures in ODIs. With their participation in the upcoming Australia tour still uncertain, Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, weighed in on the duo’s ODI prospects.
Known for his bold remarks, Yograj Singh slammed the duo, claiming they think they are bigger than everyone else. Speaking to the Insidesports, he added that it’s high time these cricket icons roll up their sleeves and prove themselves in the ODI format.
“I would say that no one is greater than the game and that you have to perform all the time. I want to ask everyone, 'What is there that you are failing in five games out of 10? Why is Don Bradman's average 99.9 and your average 54-55?' It means they are failing more often. Back of the mind, you are thinking, 'I am The God. I'm the greatest.' Why did Sachin play till the age of 43? Because he was always grounded. He used to even play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy,” he said.
The Duo Needs A Coach Like Chandrakant Pandit
Highlighting their need for guidance, Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, said the Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could benefit from a coach like former KKR mentor Chandrakant Pandit. Speaking on it, he reflected on an incident when the ex-KKR coach told Mohammad Kaif to step aside as he was not performing.
“I think the problem is, if you are not performing, you are bound to see people saying back off. I've seen Chandrakant Pandit telling Kaif: 'Either perform or leave.' Pandit, at this moment, is like Yograj, he wants performances. I would say ‘guys, get up at 5 AM, let us train,” he added.
As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future till the 2027 ODI World Cup is still uncertain, the duo is likely to feature in the upcoming ODI series vs Australia in October 2025. Absent from Team India’s colors since the Champions Trophy final, fans are eagerly awaiting their much-anticipated comeback on the field.
