The reality Rohit-Kohli couldn't avoid any longer!

• Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled in the first ODI against England
• Both veterans fell for 11 and 5 runs respectively at Edgbaston
• Vijay Hazare Trophy will be key to proving fitness for 2027 World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had a rare misfire in the first ODI against England on Tuesday (July 14). The two India stalwarts have been elite servants

of the Indian cricket team, and after almost two decades, they continue to inspire.

But as the twilight of their careers converge, both Rohit and Virat will have to focus on their numbers. Yes, like all the jobs, Cricket is also a game of numbers, and if the Indian duo are to keep their World Cup 2027 hopes alive, they will have to take it up a notch.

For Rohit Sharma, the task is even more challenging. The former India captain knows his place in the Indian team is not assured. And probably as a result of that, his recent knocks have been far more cautious. Against England at Edgbaston, the flamboyant Rohit was missing again.

Chasing 259 runs on a tricky pitch, Rohit had an underwhelming start. The shotmaking was missing as the veteran had a real struggle, before falling prey to Sam Curran for just 11 runs, with a strike rate of just 52. Its the same Rohit, who revolutionized India's batting since the 2023 World Cup, where him giving India stormy start was the blueprint. It persisted in the T20 World Cup in 2024 and Champions Trophy last year - both tournaments which India ended up winning.

For Virat Kohli, the alarm bells are also evident. Virat has been amongst runs in the last few ODI matches for India, but against England on a pitch that had something for the bowlers, Kohli failed to make a mark. He was dismissed for just 5, as a relatively straight ball wrapped him in front of the stumps.

What is the Reason for the Struggle?

Although it's just the first match, both Rohit and Virat have been out of the 50-over format for some time now. The duo played in the Afghanistan series last month, but this is their away outing since October last year. With both Rohit and Virat not amongst Test cricket now, their exposure to international cricket has been few and far between. With India playing a number of ODI matches leading up to 2027, it will be pivotal for the duo to get their numbers up.

Why Vijay Hazare Trophy poses a Crucial Platform

India is set to play a number of ODI matches leading up to the calendar year 2027 and unless something unforeseen happens, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to play the majority of the matches.

But when it comes to match fitness and game time, the Vijay Hazare Trophy proves paramount for the Indian duo. With Sri Lanka being the final opponent in this calendar year, the domestic tournament will be the link between the two seasons of international cricket.

And as the next year's World Cup looms large, Virat and Rohit will both have to be in shape and form. Rohit and Virat's class are unmatched, but the lack of game time and a lack of exposure have been the reasons behind their recent jittery outings. Thus, the Vijay Hazare this season will not just be a massive boost for their teams, but an extremely important platform for them to showcase their form and fitness to the selectors.