BCCI Separates Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for India [Source: AFP]While Virat Kohli has been smashing balls out of the park in IPL 2026, Rohit Sharma’s tournament hasn’t exactly been going the way an MI fan would want. Rohit was ruled out for three weeks amid the ongoing Indian domestic tournament due to fitness issues, and this has now cast a long shadow over his participation in the 2027 World Cup. To add to the seriousness of the matter, the Board of Control for Cricket in India are now considering Rohit Sharma as a separate entity from the ‘ultra-fit’ Virat Kohli for the mega ICC event to be played next year. Rohit Sharma’s Injury and Woeful IPL 2026 Form Since being relieved of his captaincy duties in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Rohit’s approach with the bat has been rather reluctant. Although efforts were made toward health and weight loss, the ultra-aggressive approach has been lacking in the Indian veteran. Rohit was also ruled out of the Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 games from April 12 to May 3 due to a hamstring injury, which caused him to miss five consecutive games for his team. Although Rohit boasts an average of 35.38 in this season of IPL from the 8 matches he has played, his strike rate isn’t a familiar one. Worrying Performance From Rohit Sharma; Virat Kohli Shines Better The SR of 160.80 is unusual for the Hitman, and, comparatively, Virat Kohli has worked his way up much better, chipping in with acceleration and pacing his innings quickly in T20 cricket. Kohli boasts a strike rate of 164.74 from 13 matches while having an average of 54.20, and is proving to be one of the primary aggressors of the team’s batting unit. These small developments have now forced the BCCI and the selectors to treat Rohit Sharma and Kohli as separate entities when it comes to their selection for the 2027 World Cup squad. Also Read- India World Cup 2027 Squad- BCCI Preps 2 Players For Backup OpenersBCCI Source Hints Virat’s Qualification Over Rohit As per a TOI report, an insider source from the BCCI has clearly indicated a declining chance of Rohit’s inclusion in the World Cup squad, with Virat Kohli getting the priority. It has been a popular notion among fans and cricket pundits that Rohit and Virat are synonymous, and the duo have always been named alongside each other as complements due to their long shared time in the Indian cricket team. If there’s Virat Kohli, there was always Rohit Sharma. However, the BCCI source indicated a change in that notion.“At this moment Kohli’s fitness and form is better than most cricketers in India. But one has to understand that Kohli and Rohit can’t be clubbed together anymore. A firm decision needs to be taken on Rohit after consulting the BCCI medical team,” the source said. The report further added that the team management is also unhappy with Rohit’s current approach at the bat, and although he has become leaner, fitness on the field and stamina at the age of 39 will be the primary yardsticks to be monitored. What’s Next For Rohit Sharma? Rohit’s MI has been eliminated from IPL 2026, and with just one match left against the Rajasthan Royals, there isn’t much left for Rohit to prove with the bat. Rohit’s most notable scores in this season came against LSG and KKR with figures of 84 and 78, respectively. As of now, his next chance will come against Afghanistan in the upcoming ODI series starting from June 14. With multiple ODI series scheduled against England, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe over 2026-27, Rohit, however, will have plenty of time and opportunities to prove his fitness to the selectors ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Also Read- Virat Kohli Summoned To Prove Fitness