In the ever-evolving world of cricket, where legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have scripted countless epics, the horizon of the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup looms large. Both players, now in the twilight of their international careers, have made it clear they dream of lifting that elusive trophy one more time. But as the BCCI ushers in a new era with Shubman Gill as ODI captain, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has stepped in with a piece of pragmatic wisdom. His message? To stay sharp and eligible, the duo must lace up for domestic cricket and prioritize game-time fitness. It's a call that's sparking debates across fan circles, reminding us that even giants need to grind at the grassroots.

The Weight of Legacy and a Shifting Guard

Rohit and Virat's journey has been nothing short of legendary. Rohit, the Mumbai maestro with over 11,000 ODI runs and 32 centuries, stepped down from T20Is after the 2024 triumph and bid adieu to Tests in early 2025. Virat, the chase master extraordinaire, followed suit, hanging up his Test whites amid a packed IPL calendar. Their ODI records remain stellar—Rohit averaging nearly 49 in recent outings, Virat pushing 61—but the calendar's sparsity is a silent foe. With fewer bilateral series and no T20Is or Tests to bridge the gaps, their international exposure has dwindled to sporadic bursts.

Enter the leadership shake-up: Gill's appointment as ODI skipper signals a generational handover. Pathan, speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, acknowledged this transition while praising the young gun's potential. "Gill has big shoes to fill—Rohit's white-ball wizardry and Virat's Test tenacity," he noted. Yet, for the veterans eyeing 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, complacency isn't an option. At 40 and 39 respectively by then, age won't be the hurdle; it's the rust from inactivity that could derail their ambitions.

Game-Time Fitness: The Unsung Hero of Comebacks

Pathan's core advice cuts straight to the chase: gym sessions build endurance, but only match pressure forges champions. "Rohit and Virat want to play the 2027 World Cup, but game fitness will be a big challenge," he emphasized. Rohit, in particular, gets kudos for his disciplined regimen—Pathan even shared chats where the skipper sounded "very keen" on staying primed. But Pathan draws a sharp line between "regular fitness" and "game-time fitness." Without the latter, even the fittest athlete risks faltering under World Cup spotlights.

This isn't mere speculation; it's rooted in cricket's harsh realities. Reduced ODIs mean long layoffs, and IPL's T20 frenzy, while thrilling, doesn't mimic 50-over demands. Pathan urged them to dive back into domestic arenas like the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier List-A showdown. It's been years since these stars graced state colors, but returning could be their ticket to selection. Echoing this, cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar chimed in, insisting they suit up for Vijay Hazare sans international clashes. It's a humbling reminder: eligibility isn't handed out on past glories; it's earned on pitches from Mumbai to Delhi.

Paving the Path to 2027 Glory

Pathan's words aren't a reprimand but a roadmap. He trusts their experience—"They know what to do"—yet stresses proactive steps. Imagine Rohit anchoring innings in Ranji knockouts or Virat dismantling bowlers in domestic one-dayers; such stints would not only sharpen reflexes but signal commitment to selectors like Ajit Agarkar. For fans, it's a thrilling prospect: two icons bridging eras, mentoring Gill while chasing that final hurrah.

As India's ODI tour of Australia kicks off with Gill at the helm, the spotlight intensifies. Rohit and Virat's inclusions show faith in their class, but Pathan's nudge is a wake-up call. By embracing domestic duties, they can transform potential pitfalls into strengths, ensuring they're not just eligible but indispensable for 2027. In cricket's grand theatre, where dreams collide with discipline, this advice could be the plot twist that crowns their saga. After all, true legends don't fade—they evolve.

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