Former India opener Aakash Chopra has flagged a significant structural issue affecting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the pair continues their ODI journey leading up to the 2027 World Cup. Chopra pointed to the lengthy intervals between ODI series as a recurring challenge that could hamper the veteran batters’ form and continuity in the format.
The three-match ODI series between India and England began on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. India currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after a six-wicket win in the first ODI. Both Rohit and Kohli are part of India’s ODI squad after missing previous assignments due to injury management and workload concerns. This pattern of unavailability, coupled with the sparse nature of ODI cricket globally, creates unpredictable gaps in their match practice heading into their final World Cup push.
“Rohit and Kohli, this will always be a problem for them because an ODI series is generally of three matches. There is a series, then there is nothing for two months, then there is a series, and then nothing for two months,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“Virat didn’t play against Afghanistan either. Rohit still played there. So when will Virat’s next ODI series come? I think September. So that is a huge gap, and it keeps coming repeatedly,” he added.
The challenge of staying sharp: Aakash Chopra on Rohit and Kohli’s rhythm
The gap between series represents more than just missing a few matches. When ODI assignments cluster months apart, rhythm becomes elusive for any batter. Chopra elaborated on how the sporadic nature of white-ball cricket creates additional pressure.
“A three-match series gets over in seven to eight days. Then the next one would be after three months. Gaps are just incredibly huge, and you won’t play first-class cricket in between,” Chopra said.
“It’s true that had they continued playing Test cricket and left ODIs, staying in the groove would have been a lot easier,” he added.
Despite the scheduling hurdles, Chopra acknowledged their pedigree. He stressed the importance of every remaining series for the 39-year-old Rohit and 37-year-old Kohli.
“So you want to score runs. They generally don’t fail in the same match. They did in the previous match, but despite that, they have excellent numbers against England. You would want both of them to score the runs because this could be their last England tour,” Chopra observed.
Both players carry strong records on English soil, and with less than a year until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, every series has become precious for building form and momentum. The next ODI assignment arrives in September after the England series concludes on July 19, making the current three-match rubber a critical window for match practice and rhythm-building.
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