The world is eagerly awaiting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's return to international cricket as the three-match ODI series between Australia and India approaches. The opening match of the series will take place in the midst of ongoing speculation on the two players' futures and if they will play in the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
There has been conjecture regarding the pair's future ever since they announced their retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. The future of RoKo is in jeopardy as the gossip mills are working overtime after Rohit was stripped of the ODI captaincy and replaced by Shubman Gill.
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When Australia's Travis Head and India's Axar Patel spoke to the media two days before the opening ODI at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the former made glowing remarks about Rohit and Virat. But when Head began to glance sheepishly at Axar while he talked about RoKo perhaps playing till the 2027 World Cup, things took an intriguing turn.
“They have been awesome for India, I guess Axar can speak more highly about them than myself. But two quality players, two of the best white-ball players. Virat is probably the greatest white-ball player. Rohit is not that far behind,” Head told reporters.
“Someone who opens the batting. I have huge regard for what Rohit has been able to do. I am sure they will be missed at some stage, but I think they both are going until 2027 (looks at Axar Patel and the all-rounder smiles). They both are trying to get to the World Cup. It is great for the game that they are still playing,” he added.
In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, who will be the starting all-rounder, stated that both Virat and Rohit are complete pros who are eager to start the series.
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“They are world-class players. They know what to do, and they are ready to go. They are professionals and they know what to do. They are ready to go,” said Axar Patel.
“If you speak about their form, they have been preparing well, hence I think they are ready. Everyone has given their fitness Test, they are raring to go now,” he added.
Axar also discussed how having Rohit and Virat in the group will help Shubman Gill in his role as leader.
After arriving in Australia on Thursday morning, the Indian team has already practiced twice at Perth's Optus Stadium. This may be Virat and Rohit's final trip to Australia as active international cricketers.
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