Former South African batter Daryll Cullinan reckons it is imperative for veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play continuously to keep themselves in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an impressive average of 48.77, Kohli has aggregated 14,181 runs in 302 ODI games at a stunning average of 57.88; thus, their records speak for themselves.

However, despite performing consistently for the team in the ODI format, it has been reported that Rohit and Virat could retire after the three-match ODI series against Australia in October.

The pair has already announced their retirement from Test cricket and had retired from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Cullinan told Hindustan Times, “Well, I think from an ability and experience point of view, they could play, I don’t think there’s any doubt in that, but they’d have to be on the ground of international cricket. If I were the coach or convener of selectors, because no matter how good you are, thinking that you can just play a few games or select a few games, not put in the hours and then step in and think you’re going to perform, no, that doesn’t work that way”.

“So it’s a bit of a catch-22, I’m not saying they need to be on the circuit all the time, but they need to have played a serious amount of cricket, especially going into the World Cup, so they’re in the right physical, mental frame of mind, the grind of international cricket, being fit, then I would say yes, but anything less than that I’d say no, India move on, because that certainly doesn’t work, and that’s in my view. They need to be playing quality cricket for the next two years! Far more cricket than less cricket”.

On the other hand, the former right-handed Proteas batter backed Shubman Gill to take over the captaincy baton from Rohit Sharma in ODIs.

“Yes, Gill for captaincy, irrespective of whether Rohit is playing,” Cullinan said.

Rohit and Kohli will be seen in action in the three-match ODI series against Australia.