Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma told to 'learn to from MS Dhoni' by ex-teammate to keep 2027 WC hopes alive

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma asked to follow MS Dhoni's route for 2027 World Cup. (Photo: X/BCCI)

India stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been advised to learn from MS Dhoni keep their spot in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad after their comeback party to international cricket was spoiled by Australia on Sunday. Rohit, 38 years of age managed to score just 8 runs, Kohli got out for an 8-ball duck in the first game of the 3-match ODI series against Australia.

Playing his international match after 7 months, Rohit began his innings with a straight drive against Mitchell Starc at the Optus Stadium in Perth. However, he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood who bowled cracking delivery which got the outside edge of the ex-India captain for a catch at second slip by debutant Matthew Renshaw.

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On the other hand, Kohli who came in next was trapped was trapped by Starc who exposed his old weakness and habit of getting out from a delivery pitched outside off-stump. He went for the drive and was caught by Cooper Connolly at backward point.

Following the scene, ex-India cricketer Varun Aaron urged Kohli and Rohit to be available for the upcoming domestic white-ball season. Dhoni did the same in December 2014.

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“Play domestic cricket. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starts in November and then the Vijay Hazare Trophy starts in December. That’s the best way to be in touch with the game. I remember when MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket, he played a few Syed Mushaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy. That’s a great way to stay in touch. I am sure both the batters are going to look at that. Now, you are not playing two formats. They are going to need match practice,” said Aaron on Star Sports.

He expressed how the legendary India skipper played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy to keep himself in touch of competitive cricket.