Former India opener Aakash Chopra has identified a significant structural issue as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue their ODI journey in anticipation of the 2027 World Cup. Long intervals between ODI series, according to Chopra, are a recurring problem that might affect the form and consistency of the seasoned batters in the format.
India and England began their three-match ODI series on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after winning the first ODI by six wickets. Both Rohit and Kohli have joined India’s ODI team after missing previous assignments due to injury management and workload issues. Due to this trend of unavailability and the scarcity of ODI cricket worldwide, they had erratic gaps in their match practice prior to their most recent World Cup effort.
Because an ODI series often consists of three matches, this will always be an issue for Rohit and Kohli. “Virat didn’t play against Afghanistan either,” Chopra stated on his YouTube channel. “There is a series, then nothing for two months, then there is a series, and then nothing for two months.” There, Rohit continued to play. When will Virat play in his next ODI series? September, I believe. That’s a significant disparity, and it keeps happening,” he continued.
The challenge of staying focused: Aakash Chopra on Rohit and Kohli’s cadence
The interval between series involves more than just missing a few games. When ODI assignments are spread months apart, it becomes challenging for any hitter to maintain rhythm. Aakash Chopra explained in detail how the pressure is increased by the irregularity of white-ball cricket.
“It takes seven to eight days to finish a three-match series. Three months later would be the next one. “It’s true that had they continued playing Test cricket and left ODIs, staying in the groove would have been a lot easier,” Aakash Chopra said. “Gaps are just incredibly huge, and you won’t play first-class cricket in between.”
Despite the scheduling challenges, Chopra embraced their heritage. He highlighted the importance of each remaining series for the 39-year-old Rohit and the 37-year-old Kohli, saying, “So you want to score runs.” Usually, they don’t lose the same game. They have outstanding numbers versus England even though they did in the last game. Aakash Chopra said, “You would want both of them to score the runs because this might be their last England tour.”
With less than a year until the 2027 World Cup in Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, each series is now essential to building momentum and form. On English soil, both players have outstanding records. Since the next ODI assignment is set for September after the England series concludes on July 19, the current three-match rubber is a crucial chance for match practice and rhythm-building.
