The spotlight will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who will return to international cricket for the first time in seven months, with India taking on Australia in a three-match ODI series starting on October 19 in Perth. While much of the talk revolves around their comebacks and whether the two tall batsmen can extend their careers until the 2027 World Cup, we will see how quickly they can get going after not playing competitive cricket for four months.
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch said he expects nothing less than to pick up where Rohit Sharma left off and stressed that the former skipper will remain a selfless leader in the side. Shubman Gill replaced Rohit as ODI captaintwo years before the 2027 World Cup, but Finch believes Rohit has earned the right to play the way he wants and will continue to play fearless cricket at the top of the order despite the break.
“The great thing about Rohit’s approach over the last couple of years has been his sacrifice for the team. I think there is no greater force than a team leader who leads by example,” JioStar insider Finch said during the Media Day on the eve of India’s first ODI in Perth.
Early in his career, Rohit was a measured accumulator, carefully building his innings – even during his record 264, his first fifty came off 72 balls. However, after India’s T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final defeat to England, he realized that the fear of failure was holding the team back, and at the age of 34, he reinvented his game with the white ball and took on a high-risk role himself.
Few Indian batsmen have successfully changed their style late in their careers, but Rohit’s aggressive starts and improved strike rate from 2022 have been instrumental in unlocking India’s formidable batting order, even as the frequency of centuries has slowed.
Finch added: “It would be easy for Rohit to say, ‘Look at my record, I’ll play as I want.’ He could chase fifty hundred, he is such a great player.’
“But the fact that he said, ‘No, I’m going to lead from the front. I think the game has changed to a point where I have to dominate and maximize the first ten overs,’ shows great leadership and strength. I have no doubt that will not change.”
“What you earn in a great career is the ability to dictate how you play. There may come a time when the team wants to shape your approach and that’s fine. But his willingness to sacrifice himself for the betterment of the team and give Indian cricket what it needed was amazing.”
“That is why he is such a dedicated leader. I am sure he will remain part of the leadership group within the Indian side and help Shubman navigate his first 12 months,” Finch added.
More domestic cricket?
Finch also said he would like to see both Rohit and Kohli play in the 2027 World Cup, while remaining pragmatic about their chances. He added that playing domestic cricket will not make a significant difference as long as the pair stay motivated, fit and in touch with the game.
Rohit and Kohli face the challenge of staying match-ready and playing only one format – the one least played at the highest level. With India having less than 20 matches scheduled before the 2027 World Cup, several pundits have suggested two veterans are turning to domestic cricket to keep fit.
“One of the challenges they will face is the volume of cricket they play,” Finch said.
“But neither will leave any stone unturned. If they show a desire to play in the 2027 World Cup, they will bowl enough balls. I don’t think it necessarily has to do with them playing a lot of domestic cricket; it won’t change their chances or their approach. A few competitive games here and there is enough, but behind the scenes they will be giving thousands of balls, why they want and still can’t see in practice.”
Rohit and Kohli will look to make a comeback in international cricket with the support of the team management, selectors and captain. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar dismissed all doubts and said that the two batsmen will not be judged immediately, although their performances will be evaluated on par with the performances of the other players.
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Published on:
October 18, 2025
