Following the retirements from T20Is and test cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have shifted their focus to one format— One Day Internationals (ODIs) to bolster themselves for the 2027 World Cup.
The duo of veterans has followed a cautious workload management and proper workout plans to maintain their form and fitness to cement their place in the main XI.
Ro-Ko’s back-to-back stellar performances in the recent ODI series against Australia and South Africa silenced critics, proving they remain the core of India’s World Cup 2027 plans regardless of their aging factor.
India’s Leading ODI Run-Scorers in 2025
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma amassed the most runs for India in ODIs this year. The top two Indian batting stalwarts together scored 1,301 runs in 2025.
- Rohit: 650 Runs in 14 Innings (Average: 50.00, Strike Rate: 100.46, Highest Score: 121*, Centuries: 2, Half-Centuries: 4).
- Kohli: 651 Runs in 13 Innings (Average: 65.10, Strike Rate: 96.15, Highest Score: 135, Centuries: 3, Half-Centuries: 4).
In the 3-match ODI series in Australia, Rohit was named the Player of the series, while Kohli was honored with the same accolade against South Africa.
Best Batting Duo for India in Modern ODI
Ro-Ko are certainly the best pair in the modern era of ODI cricket, having played 400 matches together.
Rohit and Kohli are currently the second most successful ODI duo for India and third internationally, with 5,619 run-partnership in 102 innings. They trail behind the record-holding pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (5,619 runs in 102 innings).
Longevity Mindset for World Cup 2027 Preparation
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have set their own examples to guide younger teammates under pressure. The Australian and South African series proved that their experience is India’s most valuable asset.
Rohit’s powerplay dominance ensured India got off to a flying start. Kohli anchored the innings in the middle overs by rotating the strike and accelerated in the slog overs to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Now, every ODI series is like a rehearsal for Ro-Ko ahead of the marquee tournament.
The two powerhorses of Indian cricket are not just preparing for their forthcoming series but for the highly coveted tournament, keeping the team’s hopes alive to clinch the ODI World Cup trophy in 2027.
