Playing one format affects rhythm but Ro-Ko will manage: Shikhar Dhawan
Having himself been an ODI-only player towards the end of his career, Shikhar Dhawan understands how lack of match frequency can disrupt rhythm but feels it won’t be an issue for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they will have enough games under their belt heading into the 2027 World Cup.
Drawing from his own experience of transitioning into a one-format regular, Dhawan acknowledged that reduced match frequency can disrupt a player’s flow. “Yes, when you play one format at the International level, your flow does get disrupted,” Dhawan told PTI during an interview.
“So, players focus on fitness because you are not playing too many games. You are talking about Rohit and Virat and they are matured individuals. It is a challenge but they know how to convert challenge into an opportunity.
“If you look at their fitness, Virat was always fit but Rohit has undergone tremendous transformation,” the man with nearly 7000 ODI runs said.
Reflecting on how scheduling dynamics shape preparation, he pointed out that the lead-up to the next ODI World Cup will offer ample opportunities for the senior duo to be in rhythm.
“Now with 2027 WC round the corner, they will get to play a lot of ODI matches. If you look at the time when I became a one format player, there were back-to-back T20 World Cups (2021 and 22) and I was playing ODIs which were few and far between. So matches won’t be a problem for Rohit and Virat and there’s enough time for the event.”
Turning his attention to emerging talent, Dhawan stressed that performances at the highest level should outweigh concerns about age, citing the fearless approach of young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
“If Vaibhav is doing brilliantly at the senior level, then that has to be counted and not his age. Yes he is a kid but it’s astonishing the way he hits Bumrah and Arshdeep for such huge sixes.
“A lot of big guns haven’t done what he has at such small age. Obviously, his time will come. It’s bound to come.”
He underlined the difficulty of breaking into a settled top order, drawing parallels with his own long stint alongside Rohit and Kohli.
“Look if top order is doing well, you can’t readily replace them. When me Ro and Virat were playing, we nearly played for a decade and it wasn’t easy to replace us.
“It is up to the individual how they take it. It can pinch you a bit but one shouldn’t be disheartened if the chance doesn’t come along readily. Vaibhav has so much blessings at this young age.”
Observing the evolution of batting philosophies in T20 cricket, Dhawan noted the shift from conservative beginnings to a more aggressive template, while still valuing sound technique.
“When we started our coaches said that hit along the ground and now it is
opposite. Like Vaibhav has good defence as I have watched him defend close to his body.”
On the demands of switching formats, he highlighted the importance of mindset and match practice, particularly for a generation groomed predominantly in T20 cricket.
