Now that they only play one format, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will require a lot of playing time. However, captain Shubman Gill stated on Saturday that the outcome of the South Africa ODI series will determine how the two white ball legends will maintain their rhythm.
With undefeated scores of 74 and 121, respectively, Kohli and Rohit concluded the ODI series on a strong note as the side defeated Australia by nine wickets in the dead rubber.
Gill responded negatively when asked if he had spoken with the two about the one-month gap between now and the next series against South Africa and the further seven weeks until New Zealand series.
“We haven’t talked about it yet. But I think once South Africa (ODI) series is over (on December 6), there will be a gap in international cricket before the New Zealand ODI series (January 11, 2026). So I think then we will see how to keep the players in touch. Then I think a decision will be taken,” Gill said at the post-match press conference in Sydney.
But with just six ODI matches remaining in the season—three against South Africa and three against New Zealand—game time is a problem.
Rohit and Kohli’s next international assignments are one-day matches against South Africa on November 30, December 3, and December 6, followed by 50-overs matches against New Zealand beginning on January 11.
On the other hand, both are anticipated to play a few games for their respective teams when the Vijay Hazare Trophy (National One Dayers) begins on December 24.
The youthful captain found it visually stunning to watch 38-year-old Rohit and 36-year-old Kohli complete a clinical chase.
“They’ve been doing this for the past 15 years. To be able to watch them play like this and get the team through unbeaten is really a treat to watch,” Gill said, reiterating that “as a player, there were no doubts” about the two modern day greats being able to perform.
“As a captain, when you sit outside and watch the match, it feels really good that the two senior most players of the team are playing, and they’re getting the team through.”
For a young man who grew up watching the duo, simply hearing them middle the ball is an experience.
“I think, like I said, it’s a treat to watch both of them, especially when they’re batting like that, and seeing the ball fly off their bats, and just hearing the sound that comes off their bat is something, you know, that tells you how good a nick that they’re both in.”
Gill also talked about how they carried out the rule that is often mentioned in team meetings: if a player is set, he should finish the game.
“Watching them from outside and taking the team through is something that we often talk about in team meetings. They are walking the talk, so it’s a great bonus for us.”
