NEW DELHI: Former national selector and ex-BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale believes Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should participate in domestic cricket to stay match-fit, particularly since they now play only one format.

Jagdale added that the duo's prospects of featuring in the 2027 World Cup will ultimately hinge on their form and fitness levels.

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"The decision they've taken to play just one format is tough on them," Jagdale told PTI.

"They've both been outstanding in white-ball cricket, but if you're not playing regularly, rustiness will creep in, like it happened with Dhoni in the IPL and even with Brian Lara, Matthew Hayden.

"A lot of cricketers, once they retire from international cricket, aren't quite the same, it is natural," Jagdale added.

The duo made their international return after nearly six months in the opening ODI against Australia last week but struggled to make an impact - Rohit managed just 8 off 14 balls, while Kohli fell for a duck after facing eight deliveries.

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"As it is, 50-over cricket will be played less," Jagdale said.

"I'd love to see them play domestic cricket. I don't know what's in their minds, but competing in domestic tournaments will definitely work in their favour."

It's difficult for a player to stay at peak sharpness while featuring in only one format - a case in point being former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, who lost his place in the ODI squad shortly after captaining the team.

With ODI cricket now their only international format, it remains to be seen whether the duo features in India's long-term plans, with the next 50-over World Cup still two years away.

By then, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 38, but Jagdale remains optimistic.

"I don't think they're finished, but the 2027 World Cup will depend on their fitness," he said.

"There's a lot of cricket to be played before that. It's too early to say, but if they continue to perform, they can certainly be there."

On Shubman Gill replacing Rohit as ODI captain, Jagdale said it was a natural transition.

"Rohit has been a great captain and a terrific white-ball cricketer, a role model who changed the outlook of Indian players. But there's nothing wrong with the selectors looking ahead. It's a natural process."

He was all praise for Gill.

"Gill had a terrific series against England . You learn on the job, but to start with, it's been a fine performance, drawing the series after losing the first Test is a good sign. He looks relaxed and confident, which bodes well for Indian cricket."

Jagdale also weighed in on the Asia Cup trophy controversy, as PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi continues to insist on personally handing over the trophy to India.

"This is something that has never happened,” Jagdale remarked.

At the Asia Cup, India adopted a no handshake policy with their Pakistani counterparts.

"Either you don't play and pull out of the tournament, or if you do, then play in the true spirit of the game. We've refused bilateral series before," he added.

(With PTI Inputs)