The cricketing world was taken by surprise when the latest ICC ODI batting rankings revealed that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India’s modern-day greats, have slipped out of the top 100. For fans who have grown accustomed to seeing their names at the very top, this shift feels almost unreal and has sparked conversations about whether it signals the twilight of their careers.
Decline Due to Limited Appearances
Both Kohli and Rohit have been playing fewer ODIs in recent times, prioritizing marquee tournaments over bilateral series. With the emergence of youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, opportunities for senior players to feature regularly in ODIs have reduced. Naturally, this lack of game time has impacted their ranking points.
Form and Fitness Concerns
While neither Kohli nor Rohit has been completely out of touch, their ODI numbers haven’t been as dominating as before. Kohli, once known as the “chase master,” has notched up fewer big scores in recent outings. Similarly, Rohit’s explosive starts have been inconsistent. Add to this the natural effect of age and fitness management, and the dip in rankings becomes clearer.
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Retirement Speculations Grow
Their absence from the top 100 has fueled speculations about retirement. While both players have not officially spoken about stepping away from ODIs, the signs suggest they are shifting focus toward T20Is and Tests, formats where they still have significant roles to play. Moreover, India’s emphasis on grooming the next generation ahead of the 2027 World Cup could mean reduced ODI involvement for the veterans.
End of an Era?
For over a decade, Kohli and Rohit dominated ODI cricket, breaking records and setting benchmarks that inspired millions. Their current rankings might be a reflection of transition rather than decline. It seems India is preparing for the future, and the legends are slowly stepping aside.
While it may feel like the end of an era, fans know that the contributions of Kohli and Rohit to Indian cricket will remain unmatched, regardless of rankings.
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